Cerebral palsy was once thought to be a random and unfortunate occurrence. Today, cerebral palsy is widely known to be caused by birth injuries or infections during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, for every 1,000 children born, as many as 4 of them will develop cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children and can have a devastating impact on both the child’s and parents’ quality of life. The disease has been shown to raise the cost of childcare by a factor of 10 or 20.
If a birth injury resulted in your child developing cerebral palsy, you need an experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer on your side. Bobby Jones is a nationally recognized trial lawyer that has a proven track record of helping victims of birth injuries recover the compensation that they deserve.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a motor disorder caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The disorder can result in poor reflexes and motor development, muscle spasms, difficulty walking, trouble speaking, deformities, and cognitive deficiencies.
How is Cerebral Palsy Caused?
Cerebral palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. The disease can be genetic or develop during birth or immediately after. When a medical provider fails to provide a reasonable standard of care, the baby can suffer an injury that leads to the development of cerebral palsy. For example, hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy involves the deprivation of oxygen to the brain. When this occurs during birth it can result in permanent brain damage. Physicians and medical staff must closely monitor both the mother and child to identify distress.
Some common acts of medical negligence that lead to the development of cerebral palsy include:
- Head trauma. Physicians often use devices such as delivery forceps and vacuum extractors to assist the delivery process. When these tools are used improperly, they can cause permanent damage to the baby’s brain.
- An undiagnosed condition. A physician may fail to monitor and treat a mother’s symptoms or order the appropriate tests leading up to the delivery. This can lead to the baby being born prematurely before its brain has fully developed.
- Delay in ordering a C-section. If a natural birth is not feasible and the baby and/or mother is in distress, the physician must administer a C-section immediately. Failing to order a C-section when dangerous conditions are present can result in the loss of oxygen to the baby’s brain.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Greenville, SC Birth Injury Lawyer
Bobby Jones is a reputable and highly experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer that represents victims in birth injury cases. Bobby Jones Law serves clients throughout the state of South Carolina with offices conveniently located in Greenville. If you or someone that you know has a child that has incurred cerebral palsy due to medical negligence, contact us today for a FREE consultation to discuss your rights and options.