BIRTH-RELATED INJURY CAUSING CEREBRAL PALSY
What Is a Birth-Related Injury? A birth-related injury is any type of injury sustained by an infant as a result of the childbirth process. It is estimated that as many as seven out of 1,000 babies in the United States suffer harm during labor and delivery. Birth injuries can take on many forms and vary in severity. In some cases, the birth injury is caused by negligence on the part of a professional medical provider. When Medical Negligence Causes Cerebral Palsy The pregnancy went well. The birth process is underway. And then…the fetal monitor becomes worrisome and no one takes action to help a baby in distress. Fetal distress can be a result of prolonged labor. A lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain can be caused by the umbilical cord wrapping around the neck or by a dangerous position in the birth canal. The doctor and other medical staff need to carefully watch the monitor for signs of a fetus in trouble. To ignore a lack of variability or other abnormalities in the monitor is physician error. The failure to act can mean that the baby will suffer brain damage that causes cerebral palsy. If the doctor failed to act to prevent cerebral palsy, it was his or her negligence and could mean that the parents and the child have a medical malpractice case. What Is Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition. As the baby grows up, he or she will always need medical attention. Depending on the amount of brain damage, the cerebral palsy can vary in severity. Cerebral palsy can involve brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing and thinking. As a result, the costs associated with caring for a person with cerebral palsy can be exorbitant. Contact O’Connor, Parsons & Lane for Help At O'Connor, Parsons & Lane, our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with cases involving birth-related injuries. We have handled cerebral palsy cases resulting in verdicts and settlements in the tens of millions, with multiple cases yielding over $5 million for our clients. When handling a cerebral palsy case, our lawyers consult with medical experts and life care planners to determine life expectancy and what it will cost to care for a person with cerebral palsy. In addition to the child's problems, we seek compensation for the parents' emotional distress. Reorganizing your life and priorities to care for a disabled child you love and cherish can require emotional support.
If your child has suffered a birth injury, or if you’re unaware of an injury but have a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the attorneys at O’Connor, Parsons & Lane may be able to help you determine if you have a case and are entitled to compensation. Contact us at 800-586-5817, 908-928-9200 or email us. The initial consultation is free.