Cerebral palsy is a condition that can be caused from genetic mutations. However, it can also happen due to medical care negligence. If a doctor or other medical professional fails to provide adequate care before, during, or after delivery, then a serious injury can occur. The parents may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages for their baby’s cerebral palsy or other birth injury condition.
How do medical mistakes lead to cerebral palsy?
When a healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care expected within the medical community, then they can be said to have committed medical negligence. If your child has developed cerebral palsy in any of these ways, then it is recommended that you seek help from an attorney right away:
- Failure to Properly Monitor: doctors and nurses have a duty to ensure the baby’s condition is okay before, during, and after delivery. Such responsibilities include observing the child’s heart rate and level of oxygen, responding quickly to an abnormal heart rate, checking the mother’s vital signs, and administering treatment without delay.
- Inaccurate Use of Birth Tools: during delivery, the mother may need help getting the baby out of her vaginal canal. If the baby is stuck, then the doctor may use a vacuum or forceps to gently extract him/her out. However, if the doctor uses these tools too aggressively or improperly, then injury can result.
- Failure to Perform C-Section: if the baby lacks sufficient oxygen, a c-section may be the best way to prevent damage to the brain. If complications arise, then the doctor and nurses only have a few minutes to determine whether such a procedure is necessary. If the medical delivery team doesn’t notice signs that the baby doesn’t have enough oxygen, cerebral palsy can develop.
- Poor Response to Fetal in Distress: Emergencies such as the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck can quickly occur, and any delay in response and treatment can cause the infant to have cerebral palsy.
Does a baby show signs of cerebral palsy right away?
Babies who develop cerebral palsy may not show symptoms immediately after delivery. But, most babies will exhibit signs by the time they are a year and a half old. Parents who notice these symptoms are strongly advised to seek counsel from an attorney near them:
- The baby hasn’t reached developmental milestones
- The baby has variations in muscle tone (overly stiff or floppy)
- The baby has poor balance and ability to coordinate muscles
- The baby has very slow, squirming movements
- The baby is favoring one side of the body
- The baby has problems with swallowing or excessive drool
What neurological problems can develop in the baby from cerebral palsy?
Babies who have neurological struggles due to cerebral palsy may have seizures, trouble seeing and hearing, intellectual challenges, urinary incontinence, odd touch or pain perceptions, and oral diseases. It is time to see a doctor and birth injury lawyer if parents observe any of the above information in their recently delivered baby.
