Cerebral Palsy and Brain Injury Attorneys
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by an injury to or abnormal development of a child’s brain while it is still forming. Although cerebral palsy is often discussed in terms of impaired motor function, muscle coordination, and movement limitations, the underlying cause is always brain damage. That damage may occur before birth, during labor and delivery, or in the hours and days immediately following birth.
Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy may experience difficulty with movement, balance, posture, muscle tone, reflexes, and coordination. In many cases, the condition also affects fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor functioning, including speech and swallowing. While the severity of cerebral palsy varies from child to child, the condition is permanent and often requires lifelong medical care, therapy, and support.
For parents, a cerebral palsy diagnosis can be overwhelming. Families are suddenly faced with complex medical decisions, long-term care planning, and significant emotional and financial strain. When cerebral palsy is the result of medical negligence, families may have the right to pursue compensation for the harm their child has suffered and for the substantial costs associated with the child’s future care.
How Cerebral Palsy and Brain Injuries Occur
Brain injuries that lead to cerebral palsy often result from events that disrupt oxygen supply to the brain, cause physical trauma, or allow infections to go untreated. These injuries can occur at various stages of pregnancy and delivery, particularly when healthcare providers fail to recognize warning signs or respond appropriately to complications.
Common causes associated with cerebral palsy and birth-related brain injuries include:
- Failure to diagnose or treat maternal or neonatal infections
- Oxygen deprivation, also known as asphyxia
- Improper monitoring of the mother or baby during labor and delivery
- Improper use or administration of Pitocin
- Premature birth and complications related to prematurity
- Misuse of forceps or vacuum extraction tools
- Delays in performing an emergency cesarean section
In many cases, these events are preventable when medical professionals follow accepted standards of care. When those standards are not met, the consequences for the child and family can be devastating.
Cerebral Palsy as a Birth Injury
Cerebral palsy is frequently linked to injuries that occur during labor and delivery. Fetal distress, prolonged labor, improper delivery techniques, or failure to respond to declining fetal heart rate patterns can all result in permanent brain damage.
In some cases, cerebral palsy may also result from postnatal injuries, such as untreated infections or complications that occur shortly after birth. Regardless of when the injury occurs, the key issue in many cases is whether medical providers failed to take appropriate action when intervention was required.
The Long-Term Impact on Children and Families
Children with cerebral palsy often require extensive and ongoing care. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive devices, and specialized medical treatment. As children grow older, their needs may increase rather than decrease, requiring home modifications, personal care assistance, and long-term supervision.
The financial burden of caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be substantial. Medical expenses alone can last a lifetime, and many individuals with cerebral palsy are unable to work or earn a living wage as adults. This loss of earning capacity compounds the financial strain placed on families.
Beyond the economic impact, families also face emotional challenges. Parents must adjust expectations for their child’s future while navigating complex healthcare systems and advocating for necessary services. Children with cerebral palsy may experience a significant loss of enjoyment of life, limitations on independence, and social challenges that affect their overall quality of life.