Cerebral Palsy Lawyer in Chicago
Cerebral palsy is one of the most serious health conditions caused by birth injury or medical malpractice during childbirth or labor.
Every parent hopes for a healthy baby at the end of pregnancy. But when that hope is dashed to pieces because your child is born disabled or with a birth injury due to the negligence of your doctor, you want him to be accountable and he should be.
What is Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a term that broadly describes a series of palsies. A palsy is a disorder that impairs a person’s movement because of damage to a developing brain. Cerebral palsy generally develops by the age of 2 or 3.
It is a non-progressive brain disorder. This means that the damage to the brain doesn’t progressively get worse over time. The symptoms may change over time, either worsening or improving.
It is estimated that 10,000 infants a year are diagnosed with CP and another 1,500 preschoolers are identified as having it.
The signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy are different from each other. The signs are visible effects of a brain injury or malfunction. Whereas the symptoms are the effects the child feels as a result of the damage.
Some of the common symptoms of Cerebral Palsy may include but are not limited to:
- Variations in muscle tone
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Involuntary movements
- Lack of coordination
- Favoring one side of the body
- Delays in speech development
- Difficulty walking
It is important to realize that the signs and symptoms of CP will vary from person to person. Many of the signs and symptoms are not readily visible at birth and can take 3 years or more before a child is identified as having CP.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy Injuries
Cerebral palsy has many potential causes such as genetics, birth defects, or brain injury. However, in many cases, the brain damage is caused from oversight of the doctor or other healthcare provider when proper care is dismissed. This includes:
- Failure to properly monitor fetus distress
- Failure to spot a prolapsed cord
- Delayed delivery by physician
- Severe infection, including meningitis
- Deficient medical care providing oxygen, blood or other nutrients during delivery
Cerebral palsy is a problematic disorder resulting in lack of coordination, stiff and/or floppy muscles, and delayed motor skills. The years of physical therapy and doctors’ visits can take a toll financially. To care for someone with cerebral palsy costs millions of dollars.
When Medical Care Goes Wrong
When you go into labor, you put your faith in your doctor, trusting he will be attentive and observant of your situation. Complications resulting in cerebral palsy doesn’t just affect your precious infant, it will affect your entire family for decades as you struggle to provide the necessary care of tending to a handicapped child. It’s an emotional process and one that in many situations is often preventable. Realizing that your child will be faced with a life of difficulty and special needs attention is a hard pill to swallow.
Holding a doctor responsible for his medical error is challenging and should only be done by a skilled and experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Possible damages for compensation can include past and future medical expenses, lifelong care, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering along with a diminished quality of life. We aim to settle your case fairly, quickly, and utilize all the tools and testimonies available to resolve the matter. Our lawyers at Willens Law Offices will work tirelessly to obtain for you the settlement you need and deserve. Call us today for a free consultation!