Cerebral Palsy Prevention

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage in the early stages of life in some cases while the infant is still in the womb and in others during the labor and delivery process. Not all cases of cerebral palsy (CP) are preventable. However, if your child’s CP was the result of a healthcare professional’s negligence or medical malpractice, they might be entitled to compensation.

At The Beasley Firm, we have been helping families secure compensation for birth injuries including when a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. For over six decades, we have provided dedicated advocacy for individuals harmed due to medical malpractice. If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after suffering a birth trauma, contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free case evaluation.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain or an abnormal development in the brain in early childhood. When the brain damage occurs during pregnancy, the labor and delivery process, or shortly after birth is referred to as congenital cerebral palsy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 85-90% of all CP cases are congenital.

Congenital CP cases can be caused by several things including oxygen deprivation during the birthing process, maternal infections during pregnancy, exposure to toxic substances, or bleeding in the brain. 

Less common are cases of acquired cerebral palsy which are those that occur 28 days or more after birth. Acquired CP may be caused by an infection such as meningitis or an injury to the head.

Can Cerebral Palsy Be Prevented?

While some cases of cerebral palsy cannot be prevented, others can by following proper medical standards of care. CP cases that are caused by medical malpractice or are the result of a birth injury may have been able to be avoided. 

Cerebral palsy caused by the following may be preventable:

• Failure to monitor for fetal distress
• Undiagnosed or untreated maternal infection during pregnancy
• Improper prenatal care
• Untreated high bilirubin levels
• Failure to order a necessary c-section
• Avoidable complications during labor and delivery

If your child’s cerebral palsy was preventable, you might be entitled to compensation for their losses. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine your legal options. 

What Should I Do If My Child’s Cerebral Palsy Was Preventable?

If your child’s cerebral palsy was preventable, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against a liable party. To determine liability, it is important to discuss your case with a cerebral palsy lawyer. A lawyer can help conduct an independent investigation into the cause of your child’s CP and determine whether you have a valid claim for damages. 

Contact Our Office If Your Child Was Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

Was your child recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy? If your child’s CP was caused by a medical provider’s negligence, you might be entitled to financial recovery including compensation for their medical bills. Contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney. 

For over 60 years we have been helping families secure the compensation they deserve. Get the legal help you need now. There are no fees unless we win.