Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children. Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects a person’s movements, posture, and ability to maintain balance. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment helps manage symptoms.
Birth injuries are one of the most common causes of cerebral palsy. When medical neglect during childbirth causes cerebral palsy, the child and their family may be due substantial financial compensation for related losses. Cerebral palsy lawyers at Zucker & Regev, P.C., can assist individuals in Brooklyn, NY, and surrounding areas. Our cerebral palsy lawyers hold negligent medical professionals liable for the damages they cause.
Childbirth Trauma and Cerebral Palsy
If medical professionals are negligent in how they monitor for signs of distress or respond to signs of distress during childbirth, injuries can occur. Some childbirth complications that can lead to cerebral palsy include:
- Oxygen deprivation - Several birth complications can reduce or eliminate a baby’s oxygen supply during birth, including the placenta separating from the uterus too early, umbilical cord prolapse, or the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby’s neck. Oxygen deprivation can damage a developing brain and lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy.
- Head trauma - If the baby suffers from head trauma during birth, the brain can also be damaged, which may ultimately result in cerebral palsy. Head trauma can occur if forceps or vacuum devices are used incorrectly, or if the head sustains too much pressure or force.
- Infections - Infections that develop before or immediately after birth can lead to inflammation in the brain that can damage cells and cause complications such as cerebral palsy.
- Delayed C-section - If problems arise during childbirth, or if labor is lasting too long, a C-section may be the safest way to deliver a child. Delaying a C-section can lead to oxygen deprivation, which may cause cerebral palsy.
Establishing Medical Malpractice
When a birth injury occurs, it is important to determine whether the injury was the result of unpreventable complications, or medical neglect. Medical professionals are highly unlikely to admit fault in these types of situations, so families should consult with a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney, such as those at our Brooklyn law firm, to determine if a claim should be filed.
A medical malpractice lawsuit should be filed if a medical professional failed to deliver care that met up to the accepted standard, and that neglect led to an injury and physical, emotional, and/or financial damages. To prove that medical care fell below the accepted standard, it must be shown that a doctor with the same level of experience or training would have acted differently when presented with the same set of circumstances. Our lawyers gather evidence, including expert medical testimony, to substantiate a medical malpractice claim.
What Type of Damages Can Families Recover?
Families who file a medical malpractice lawsuit may be able to recover damages for a wide range of losses related to cerebral palsy. Potential areas of compensation include:
- Cost of medical treatment
- Cost of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or recreational therapy
- Cost of speech therapy
- Cost of prescription medication
- Cost of assistive medical devices
- Lost wages or loss of wage earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
Contact Us
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you suspect that medical negligence is to blame, we encourage you to contact our law firm to discuss the possibility of a medical malpractice claim. Call our Brooklyn practice at (718) 624-1211 to schedule a personal consultation.