According to the CDC, the most common motor disability in children is cerebral palsy (CP). in the U.S. Further, most cerebral palsy cases are related to brain damage occurring before or during birth.
The cause of CP is unknown. However, many risk factors can increase the chances of cerebral palsy. Sometimes, cerebral palsy is a result of medical malpractice. If your child has been diagnosed with CP, the physician or hospital may be responsible for your child’s injuries.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages if they are. Contact The Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq. today to speak with a birth injury lawyer you can trust.
Continue reading to learn about the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy in your newborn.
Risk Factors For Congenital Cerebral Palsy
CP related to brain damage or irregular brain development is called congenital cerebral palsy, which constitutes nearly 90% of all CP cases. While the exact causes of cerebral palsy are unknown, there are many risk factors that can increase the chances of CP.
They include but are not limited to:
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Multiple births
- Infertility treatments like Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
- Pre-birth infections
- Jaundice
- Kernicterus
- Health problems of the mother
- Complications during birth
Sometimes, complications during birth are not a result of natural causes. CP-related symptoms may be due to physician or hospital negligence. Contact a California birth injury lawyer today to speak about your case.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
There are a few known signs that may indicate cerebral palsy in newborns. However, it’s important to note that not all newborns exhibit signs of CP.
In many cases, the symptoms are not apparent until later in life (up to 18 months). If your child exhibits the following symptoms, it can be helpful to consult a physician for an official diagnosis:
- Low muscle tone
- Inability to support their head or body when sitting or lying down
- Muscular spasms or general stiffness in their body
- Lack of muscle control, poor reflexes, or abnormal posture
- Delayed physical development
- Favoring one side of the body
- Challenges swallowing food
While the following are possible signs of cerebral palsy, it’s essential to remember that they don’t always equate to a cerebral palsy diagnosis. It’s necessary to consult a trained physician so they can use proven diagnostic tools.
Contact a Los Angeles Birth Injury Lawyer Today
Most cerebral palsy cases are the result of natural causes. However, in many cases, CP in newborns is caused by negligent medical malpractice.
If you suspect your newborn developed CP due to any of the following, you should contact an experienced brain injury lawyer:
- The nurse, physician, or hospital staff failed to monitor your child’s condition
- The healthcare professionals failed to perform a Cesarean Section or delayed performing a C-section when it was necessary
- Improper response to fetal distress symptoms like failure to notice a lack of oxygen
Since the causes of cerebral palsy are unknown, it can be difficult to prove medical malpractice without the help of a skilled birth injury lawyer. Contact The Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq. today to speak with an experienced birth injury lawyer in LA.