What Birth Injuries Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can be caused by a number of factors. It is generally the result of damage to an infant’s developing brain. This damage can happen at any time prior to birth, during the labor and delivery process, or after birth. The vast majority of cerebral palsy cases are congenital, meaning that they happen before birth or during the birthing process.

At The Beasley Firm, we represent individuals who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or other conditions related to a birth injury. Our legal team has secured multiple multi-million dollar recoveries for birth injury victims including a $37 million verdict for a child who suffered brain damage. If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free consultation. 

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affects a person’s movements. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the most common motor disability for children. Cerebral palsy can affect nearly every aspect of a child’s development.

Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy include:

• Muscle spasticity or rigidity
• Difficulty walking
• Speech and language delays
• Vision problems
• Intellectual disabilities
• Seizures
• Incontinence
• Mental health conditions

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it is in your best interest to discuss your legal options with a birth injury lawyer. Depending on the cause of your child’s cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover medical bills and future treatment.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

There are several risk factors that increase the chances of a child developing cerebral palsy. In some cases, it is caused by oxygen deprivation during the labor and delivery process. A lack of oxygen can occur for a number of reasons including an umbilical cord prolapse.

Other birth trauma that may cause cerebral palsy include:

• Difficult, prolonged labor
• Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections
• Detachment of the placenta
• Uterine rupture
• Improper prenatal care 
• Traumatic head injury
• Fetal stroke

Conditions such as a cephalohematoma may be present at birth and co-occurring with cerebral palsy. Any time that your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney can help determine whether you have a valid claim against a negligent medical care provider.

What Should I Do If My Child Is Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy?

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you need to contact an attorney. It is important to collect your child’s medical records, particularly those that were taken during your pregnancy and the labor and delivery process. These medical records may prove critical to your case.

In some instances, your child may be diagnosed much later in life with the condition. It is still worth discussing your case with an experienced lawyer to determine if you can pursue legal action. 

Hiring a Birth Injury Attorney

Was your child diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to a lack of oxygen at birth? You might be entitled to compensation to help cover the cost of your child’s medical bills. Contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Related Reading:

• Spastic Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms & Legal Options 
• Is It Too Late To File A Birth Injury Lawsuit?
• Can Birth Complications Cause Autism?