Cerebral Palsy Can Be Caused by a Traumatic Birth

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle tone. Cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury or malformation that occurs either before, during, or shortly after birth. Approximately 20 percent of individuals with cerebral palsy were affected due to an injury during childbirth. Brain injury can occur when infants do not receive sufficient oxygen for a period of time or experience trauma to the head. Head trauma can occur if excessive force is used when utilizing birth tools, such as forceps and vacuum extraction devices. MRIs and CT scans can be used to determine why your child developed cerebral palsy.

Signs of cerebral palsy include difficulty with movement, rigid muscles, muscle spasms, unusual movements, the failure to reach typical developmental milestones (especially those related to motor and movement), learning disabilities, and speech disorders. Individuals with CP may also exhibit seizures and numerous other physical symptoms, such as constipation, difficulty eating or digesting food, and incontinence. Cerebral palsy symptoms can range from minor to severe, but many individuals with CP will require specialized care, therapy, and devices to aid with movement.

Ongoing medical care and treatment for physical and intellectual issues is extremely expensive. Communication devices and specialized wheelchairs can cost thousands of dollars. Some children will require numerous surgeries and therapeutic treatments. It’s easy to see how the costs can skyrocket. If your child has developed CP due to a traumatic birth experience, it is important to determine if your physician or other medical care provider may be liable. Sometimes physicians fail to make timely decisions and, as a result, the infant’s oxygen levels become dangerously low. At other times, an obstetrician may fail to gauge the size of the infant’s head in relation to the birth canal. This can mean that forceps or vacuum extraction are required.

If your child has cerebral palsy and you believe it may be due to a birth injury, contact the personal injury attorney Madison, WI trusts. We will consider the details of your situation and review your medical records to determine if medical personnel may be to blame. If we find that your child developed CP due to an avoidable birth injury, we will fight aggressively to get you the compensation that you deserve. We understand that no amount of money can make up for the disabilities your child will face, but it will provide for the exceptional care and treatments that you desire. Contact our Madison personal injury lawyers today either online or by phone at 608-256-8356 for a free consultation.