Cerebral palsy may be caused by inadequate oxygen going to the brain. This is called hypoxia. A lack of oxygen to the brain can be caused by malpractice of the doctor or hospital when a baby is born. The Dr. must do what he or she can do to ensure that the baby gets sufficient oxygen. Doctors are supposed to monitor the fetal heart rate when the baby is in the mother’s womb and when the baby is being born. Doctors are supposed to perform cesarean section surgery when it appears the baby may not be getting enough oxygen. Sometimes, when an umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck of the baby, the baby may not get sufficient oxygen. There are many other ways a doctor can negligently cause a baby to have cerebral palsy.
There are three types of cerebral palsy. These are, spastic, ataxic, and athetoid/dyskinetic.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
This is the most common. It causes tightness in the muscles. Muscle spasms are frequent issues in Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Spasms can cause early onset of arthritis and tendinitis for the patient.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Patients with ataxic cerebral palsy have difficulty with walking, because their gait is impaired. This is caused by damage to the cerebellum. It is a less common form of cerebral palsy than spastic cerebral palsy. In ataxic cerebral palsy motor function, like writing and walking may be affected.
Athetoid / Dyskinetic
In this form of cerebral palsy, patients often have involuntary motions. This causes difficulty walking and standing upright. Patients have difficulty getting their hands to certain places when they try to do things. Have difficulty holding on to objects, especially things that require fine motor skills.
Occupational therapy or physical therapy is commonly prescribed to help with the muscles in spastic cerebral palsy. This is prescribed frequently throughout the patient’s lifetime and contributes to huge future medical expenses. Sometimes doctors have to perform surgery on patients to help their spasticity and muscle problems. Doctors frequently use orthotics to help patients of cerebral palsy.
However, not every cerebral palsy diagnosis is the result of negligence of the doctors. Sometimes the doctors do all they can to help the baby but the baby will develop cerebral palsy.
Medical expenses for a person with cerebral palsy can be astronomical. The patient frequently needs additional schooling, as many have cognitive problems. They frequently require surgery, therapy, orthotics, and medication throughout their life.
In order to properly pursue cerebral palsy cases you will need a lawyer who is aggressive and willing to help you. These cases are very complicated, scientifically and legally. They are fought hard by the doctors insurers, who may hope to confuse a jury or ill-prepared lawyer into believing that did the doctor was not negligent or did not cause the condition.
At Ackerman Law Office we take medical negligence claims, like hypoxia cases in cerebral palsy on a contingent fee. If we do not win, we will not charge a fee. These cases take a lot of work and dedication. You need a lawyer who has time for you. We offer free initial consultations.