Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder caused by an injury to the brain in its developmental stages, usually occurring before or during a child’s birth. According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, it is the most common childhood motor disability, affecting an estimated one in every 345 children.
Cerebral palsy often results from instances of medical malpractice or professional negligence, such as failing to recognize the need for a cesarean section or treatment for infections.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you suspect negligence, you may be able to recover damages to help with the cost of their lifelong medical care. Our team at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers in Oklahoma City can help you decide the best course of action and get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy experience significant problems with mobility and muscle control. Many also suffer from intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. Researchers state that there are several types of cerebral palsy depending on movement limitations and the bodily parts affected.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common form of cerebral palsy. Doctors believe it results from damage to the brain’s motor cortex. Children with spastic cerebral palsy have stiffened and tightened muscles that make movement difficult.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy results in uncontrollable, involuntary movements that can be either slow or rapid and unpredictable. Researchers attribute dyskinetic cerebral palsy to trauma to the basal ganglia in the brain, which regulates movement.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy causes issues with balance, coordination, and depth perception. This type stems from damage to the cerebellum, which controls coordination.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
When there are two or more types of cerebral palsy occurring simultaneously, this is known as mixed cerebral palsy. This type involves damage to multiple parts of the brain.
Cerebral palsy affects a child’s life in several ways beyond difficulties with movement. It can cause learning delays, speech issues, vision or hearing difficulties, and seizures. Sadly, these challenges stay with the child into adulthood, often requiring lifelong care in terms of physical therapy and other ongoing support. However, cerebral palsy is classified as a nonprogressive disease, meaning that it does not get worse with time.
Medical Negligence and Cerebral Palsy
Research suggests that negligence during labor and delivery can cause injuries that lead to cerebral palsy. Our attorneys can help you gather evidence and explore whether you have a legal basis for a claim. Some of the most common types of medical negligence include:
- Failing to monitor oxygen levels, which can result in oxygen deprivation when babies need it most
- Failing to treat fetal distress and maternal infections, either of which can cause a brain injury
- Waiting too long to perform a medically necessary cesarean section or failing to perform it at all
- Misusing equipment such as forceps or vacuum extractors
It’s crucial to seek advice from an experienced medical malpractice attorney if your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. We can assist you in compiling the correct documentation to determine whether you have a case and establish the appropriate compensation.
Pursuing Compensation for Cerebral Palsy
A medical malpractice claim could provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket damages to your child’s well-being. It could also cover the cost of ongoing treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and other support.
You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Adaptive equipment and assistive technology to help your child adapt to their condition
- Special education and support services to enhance and personalize programs provided by the school district
- Structural changes to your home or vehicle so your child can get in and out easily
- Loss of future earnings potential, as cerebral palsy affects mobility and intellectual capacity
- Long-term care costs, including medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services
- Emotional distress caused by pain and suffering
Our Oklahoma City Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Can Help
At Parrish DeVaughn, our attorneys focus on getting you fair compensation for your child’s struggles. We’ll start with a free consultation, and should we decide to represent you, our team can:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the birth
- Collect medical records to identify actions that may have deviated from the professional standard of care
- Document damages such as the cost of care since birth and anticipated future expenses for lifelong care
- Negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Contact Parrish DeVaughn to Fight for Your Child
It’s difficult to watch your child suffer from cerebral palsy. While no amount of money can erase your heartbreak, it can make the future easier.
Our experienced attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn can assist you in understanding the law and the process at every step. Our focus is on getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
