Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a term that refers to a group of disorders of the brain, resulting from an injury to the brain during childbirth or delivery. The cause of the injury can be from trauma or a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain. Currently there is no cure for cerebral palsy and children who have cerebral palsy may require a lifetime of medical care and treatment. Signs of cerebral palsy may begin appearing in a child as young as six months and most symptoms will be noticeable within three years.

Cerebral palsy symptoms:

• Inability for the child to perform fine motor skills
• Inability for the child to walk or maintain balance
• Involuntary motions of the body
• Seizures
• Mental retardation
• Developmental delays
• Lack of muscle coordination

Treatment for cerebral palsy:

• Drug therapy – this may help prevent or reduce seizures
• Physical therapy – exercises and movements to improve key motor skills in large muscle areas of the body
• Occupational therapy – improving functions of small muscles including the hands, feet, and fingers
• Speech and language therapy – helps the child develop control of the jaw and mouth, which helps the child improve speech as well as improve eating. Also alternative communication methods may be taught in addition to speaking
• Surgery – surgery may help reduce spasticity or improve muscle development

Parents who believe their child may have cerebral palsy and suspect the cause may have been from medical negligence, face a problem with the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations places a time limit on how long a family can wait to file a lawsuit on behalf of the victim. Failure to file within the statute of limitations time limit will likely cause the victim and family to lose the ability to recover damages, including a lifetime of medical care and treatment necessary for the child.

If you suspect your child has cerebral palsy and it occurred due to medical malpractice, you should immediately consult with a medical malpractice birth injury attorney such as Dr. Bruce G. Fagel. The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates specializes in birth injuries, including cerebral palsy. If you have a case for medical negligence, Dr. Fagel can help you recover compensation to provide the medical care your child will require for the rest of his or her life.