Florida Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain disorder with many possible causes, like traumatic injuries that occur during the birthing process or shortly before it. Cerebral palsy can cause a wide range of issues for victims, such as difficulty walking, problems with motor function, speech impediments, cognitive disabilities, and an inability to understand complicated concepts. Cerebral palsy causes lesions on the brain, the location of which dictates the neurological problems of the affected child.

If your child now suffers from this disorder as a result of an injury which occurred during birth, your doctor could be held liable with the advice of a knowledgeable birth injury attorney. Enlisting the help of a dedicated Florida cerebral palsy lawyer could help you gain justice for the negligence that caused your child’s condition.

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Sometimes cerebral palsy is genetic and inherited. It can also be caused by medication or a mother’s infection during pregnancy. One of the most common causes is periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), which is a dangerous lack of oxygen to the brain and can happen when a baby is born prematurely, and their brain is not able to regulate itself. The brain can suffer permanent damage when it does not get enough oxygen. PVL can also cause cerebral palsy when a baby does not get enough oxygen during the birthing process or shortly before.

Injuries at Birth

Many birth injuries can lead to CP when a baby is deprived of oxygen in the womb or shortly after birth. Some premature babies have apnea and may stop breathing for 30 seconds at a time. Premature babies are not able to recover as well as full-term ones, which causes the blood vessels in their brain to die and cause cerebral palsy. A physician who fails to protect the health of a baby during birth could be held liable in a civil suit. A Florida cerebral palsy attorney could help a claimant examine their doctor’s actions to determine whether medical negligence was the cause of their child’s condition.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Some symptoms which could lead to a baby’s cerebral palsy diagnosis include not meeting developmental milestones such as sitting up, walking, talking, and eating. Some parents do not realize that their child has this condition until they have already missed the milestones. Cerebral palsy can be caught early if doctors can identify a potential instance of distress where the baby did not have enough oxygen. A physician will look for cerebral palsy by conducting brain scans and other diagnostic procedures early on.

How cerebral palsy develops is not always clear. Therefore, individuals should contact an experienced attorney if their child has cerebral palsy. A cerebral palsy lawyer in Florida could review medical records to identify an instance where the injury occurred and help you determine a doctor’s liability.

Treating Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy cannot be cured but it can be managed. Regularly scheduled physical therapy sessions can improve the functionality of a person with CP who cannot move their muscles properly, control the way their body moves, or has a hard time talking. Furthermore, individuals with cerebral palsy may need braces on their legs to help them stand up. Those who have limited muscle mobility may suffer from contractures. Cerebral palsy patients may also need surgeries or Botox injections, and some have seizures that need to be managed.

Get in Touch with a Florida Cerebral Palsy Attorney Today

If your child was injured during the birthing process and now suffers from cerebral palsy as a result, you may be able to hold your doctor liable for medical negligence. It is a physician’s job to take all possible steps to ensure the health and safety of their patients, and those who cause injuries via negligent actions or inaction could be required to pay you compensation for your losses. For help with filing a civil claim for damages, call a Florida cerebral palsy lawyer today to get started.