Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog
About one out of every 400 Americans born is diagnosed with Cerebral palsy. If your child suffers from Cerebral palsy that developed during the early stages of life or during childbirth contact our law firm Borchardt Law Firm to discuss your legal options. Cerebral palsy is a complex affliction that involves damage to the part of the brain that controls posture and movement. While the precise cause of Cerebral palsy may be difficult to identify, many experts believe that medical negligence during the birthing process can cause or exacerbate the severity of the diagnosis. According to a Cerebral palsy source, Cerebral palsy is classified into four categories: Spastic, Athetoid (dyskinetic), Ataxic and Mixed.
•Spastic Cerebral palsy affects 70 to 80 percent of patients and is characterized by stiff or permanently contracted muscles.
• Athetoid Cerebral palsy affects 10 to 20 percent of patients and is characterized by uncontrolled, slow, writhing movements.
• Ataxic Cerebral pasly is a rare form that affects 5 to 10 percent of patients. This form of cerebral palsy affects the sense of depth and perception and results in poor coordination and difficulty with quick or precise movements.
• Mixed Cerebral palsy occurs when a patient has symptoms of two or more of these forms. Many combinations are possible, but the most common mixed form is a blend of the Spastic and Athetoid forms.
To learn more about Cerebral palsy, please watch the following video.
Though it can be uncommon, one of the most severe causes can happen due to a medical malpractice during childbirth. In 2002 an Illinois mother was given medication in order to induce her labor to her son. However, the medication caused severe stress on her baby causing his heart rate to drop dangerously low. The mother should have received an immediate C-section by her OBGYN but rather her primary care physician attempted to deliver the baby himself. Tragically, the delivery was unsuccessful and the OBGYN stepped in and performed a C-section. “The boy had already been seriously deprived of oxygen, causing him to suffer from the irreversible brain damage that resulted in his severe Cerebral Palsy.” (cerebralpalsysource.com) His condition is so grave he will never be able to walk, talk or feed himself. He will need constant medical care for the rest of his life. After taking this case to court, the mother was recently awarded a $5.5 million settlement which includes the cost of long-term care for her son. (Read the full article)
If you think your child is a victim to birthing negligence which led to the development of their Cerebral palsy, have an experienced medical malpractice attorney review your situation to discuss your legal options. At Borchardt Law Firm we feel the work we do will protect future generations of Texans. Feel free to give us a call.
Burnett Building
801 Cherry St #1005
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Toll Free: 866.832.9300
Phone: 817.332.9300
Fax: 817.332.9301
firm@attorneysmb.com
Sources
(http://www.cerebralpalsysource.com/cp_quickfacts/index.html)
http://www.cerebralpalsysource.com/News_and_Articles/index.html