How a Birth Injury Can Cause Cerebral Palsy

Birth injuries have two main causes: oxygen deprivation and physical injuries. Below, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys discuss the role the former plays in the development of birth injuries.

Oxygen Deprivation: The Main Cause of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affects coordination and movement. It’s often characterized by one or more of the following:

• Spastic diplegia, which results in stiff movements
• Athetoid, which results in loss of movement control
• Ataxic, which results in balance and depth perception issues

CP has no cure and often requires the lifelong use of mobility assistance devices, such as a walker or wheelchair. Additionally, those with CP may have other neurological difficulties.

Most cases of CP are acquired rather than inherited. This means that most cases of CP occur during the labor and delivery process and are usually preventable.

A child may experience oxygen deprivation during the birthing process if the labor is longer than 18 hours, or if they are positioned incorrectly in the birth canal. It’s up to the attending physician to recognize these warnings signs and respond accordingly.

Healthcare providers may be able to prevent CP by taking the following measures:

• Monitoring the infant for signs of fetal distress
• Ordering a C-section when necessary

Failure to do so may result in oxygen deprivation and the subsequent development of CP.

Suspect a Birth Injury? Contact Us Today

If you believe your child acquired CP at birth, our team is here to help. At The Beasley Firm, LLC, we have helped countless clients across the state recover the compensation they need and deserve in the wake of a devastating medical error. We’re prepared to do the same for you.

Contact The Beasley Firm, LLC at to schedule a free consultation with our team today.