Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term concerning one of the more common birth injuries. Children who have a form of cerebral palsy often have difficulties with muscle coordination, including muscle control, development and function. They may also suffer from developmental and cognitive impairments, as well as in some cases have difficulties with speech, hearing and vision.
Not all of the causes of cerebral palsy are known. However, several different factors have been identified as increasing the risk of developing this condition.
For example, trauma at birth – such as suffering oxygen loss (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) during delivery – has been linked to cerebral palsy. This may occur in instances such as where the infant is born prematurely, suffers from jaundice, where the mother has an infection during pregnancy or where a birth complication exists during delivery that leads to a delay. In some circumstances, cerebral palsy may be the result of medical malpractice. For example, if a physician or other health care provider is aware of certain risk factors or fails to act appropriately, he or she may be found responsible and liable for damages.
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, therapy may help improve the quality of life for a child born with this condition.
For more information or if you believe that your child has cerebral palsy as the result of the actions or inactions of a medical provider, please contact the experienced California birth injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.