When Medical Negligence Results in Cerebral Palsy
by
Matthew Willens on May. 18, 2015
Accident & Injury Medical Malpractice Accident & Injury Accident & Injury Personal Injury
Summary: Even though there are many factors that may contribute to the development of cerebral palsy, in some cases it is preventable.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a brain injury or a malformation that occurs during the development stage of the brain. It is a condition that affects muscle coordination and body movement. In some cases, cerebral palsy is the result of a doctor’s mistake. Even though there are many factors that can contribute to the development of this disabling condition, in some cases it is preventable. According to our birth injury Willens Law, if your child’s cerebral palsy is a result of medical negligence, your child may be entitled to compensation for all expenses and pain and suffering.
Medical Negligence at the Prenatal Stage
During pregnancy, it is a doctor’s duty to monitor the health of a pregnant woman and her baby. A doctor will carry out routine tests and ultrasound to identify any possible birth defects or other complications. Failure to diagnose birth defects or other conditions that may lead to cerebral palsy can make the obstetrician or another health care provider liable for the child’s condition.
Medical Negligence During the Delivery Process
Almost all deliveries involve some amount of risk. Even women with healthy pregnancies may develop some complications during delivery and some kind of trauma may arise unexpectedly. However, it is the duty of the doctor to identify the complications and manage these problems effectively. The doctor must act according to the standard of care and take every possible step to protect the health of the mother and the child. It is the responsibility of the doctor to:
- Properly manage labor and delivery.
- Identify complications and order a timely cesarean section when needed.
- Respond to any unexpected trauma or complication appropriately.
- Properly monitor the baby’s vitals such as heart rate and oxygen flow.
There are doctors who have failed to perform these duties effectively, causing birth injuries to the baby. This includes the improper use of birthing techniques such as forceps or vacuum, forceful delivery, or administering an excessive dose of labor inducing medication such as petocin.
Compensation for Medical Negligence
According to statistics, nearly 20 percent of cerebral palsy cases are a result of brain injuries occuring during childbirth. If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by a doctor’s negligence, contact a cerebral palsy lawyer Mathew Willens from The Willens Law Offfices and seek our help in getting the rightful compensation from the doctor or medical provider at fault.These cases are often complicated and you may need an experienced attorney to investigate the case properly, gather evidence, and present the case in a way that gets you the damages that your child deserves.
