Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Unlike chicken pox or the measles, cerebral palsy is not a disorder with a single cause. And while there is no specific clear-cut cause that has been determined to be responsible for cerebral palsy, the general consensus is that it is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain (hypoxia), a severe lack of oxygen to the body (asphyxia), birth trauma, premature delivery, and central nervous system infections or certain infections in the mother before or during birth. The majority of those with CP are born with it. Some children may develop cerebral palsy after birth due to severe head trauma, lead poisoning, meningitis, severe jaundice or encephalitis.

Can medical malpractice or negligence cause cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy may be linked to negligence or wrongdoing on the part of a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional during childbirth or the treatment of a mother during pregnancy. This includes, but is not limited to failing to detect a prolapsed umbilical cord, failing to perform or delaying a cesarian section (when necessary), failing to plan a cesarian section for an infant who is too large to pass through the birth canal, failing to diagnose and treat meningitis in a timely manner, or negligently performing an instrumental delivery (vacuum or forceps).

The above are just a few of the specific actions that could lead to cerebral palsy. By carefully reviewing the specific circumstances of the delivery and your treatment during childbirth, an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can determine whether medical negligence may have led to your child’s condition.

If your child is suffering from developmental delays or problems with motor skills, it is possible that he or she sustained a birth injury that caused their CP. Medical malpractice lawyer Dr. Bruce Fagel can help. As a highly experienced malpractice and negligence lawyer with a background in medicine, Dr. Fagel is uniquely qualified to represent clients in malpractice lawsuits. With his knowledge and familiarity with medicine and the legal field, Dr. Fagel is able to secure positive results for his clients in a large percentage of the cerebral palsy cases he pursues. Contact The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel today at (800) 541-9376 for a free consultation.