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Medical malpractice is a legal term used to describe negligence in the medical profession that causes injury or harm to a patient. Unfortunately, this negligence can have serious consequences, including the development of cerebral palsy. In this blog, we will discuss how medical malpractice can lead to cerebral palsy and the impact that it has on victims and their families.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder affecting movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the brain during childbirth or infancy that results in impaired motor functioning. This damage can be caused by medical negligence or errors during labor or delivery, such as:
- Improperly using forceps or vacuum extractors
- Failing to monitor fetal distress
- Delaying an emergency cesarean section
The Impact of Cerebral Palsy
The effects of cerebral palsy vary depending on the severity of the condition and its location within the brain. Common symptoms include:
- Impaired physical coordination and mobility
- Difficulty with speech and language development
- Seizures
- Intellectual disability
- Vision problems
- Hearing loss
These impairments can have far-reaching impacts on an individual’s life—from difficulty completing everyday tasks like dressing themselves to limited educational opportunities due to physical impairments.
The Different Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is divided into four different types:
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy – This type of cerebral palsy is the most common form, affecting approximately 80 percent of those with cerebral palsy, and it involves stiff muscles that interfere with movements.
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy – Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by problems with balance and coordination due to a lack of muscle control.
- Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy – Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is marked by uncontrolled body movements as a result of damage to the brain’s basal ganglia.
- Mixed Cerebral Palsy – Mixed cerebral palsy involves characteristics from all three other types.
How Families are Impacted
A diagnosis of cerebral palsy can be devastating for families. This is especially true if the condition was caused by medical negligence—a preventable mistake that has lasting effects on an individual’s quality of life and those closest to them.
Families with a child suffering from cerebral palsy often face mounting medical bills, as well as additional costs associated with care, therapy, and specialized equipment. For many families, these expenses can become too much to bear, creating financial strain and stress in addition to the emotional burden of having a loved one with special needs.
Legal Options for Victims of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences for victims and their families, particularly when it results in cerebral palsy. Victims may suffer from debilitating physical impairments that make completing everyday tasks difficult while their families face mounting medical bills and missed work opportunities due to disability-related absences. In cases where medical negligence leads to cerebral palsy, victims and their families may be eligible for financial compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
A successful claim could result in compensation for damages such as ongoing medical costs associated with treating cerebral palsy, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other expenses related to caring for someone with cerebral palsy. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options if your family has been affected by medical malpractice resulting in cerebral palsy. With their help, you can get justice for yourself and your loved one who was injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Boston, MA
At Crowe & Harris, LLP, we believe that no one should have to suffer from the consequences of medical malpractice. That’s why our experienced attorneys are here to help you and your family get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence resulting in cerebral palsy, contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling (617) 404-3417. We are committed to helping victims of medical malpractice recover the damage awards they need to move forward with their lives.