The birth of a child is supposed to be a wonderous event, a new chapter, and the beginning of an amazing journey. Every expectant parent wants their newborn to start their life healthy and happy. Unfortunately, some children are born with medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, that will negatively affect their lives. In some cases, a disorder or condition results from a genetic condition, or its origin is unknown. However, in many cases, cerebral palsy and other adverse medical conditions are caused by preventable errors during pregnancy and birth.
On average, approximately three out of every thousand infants are born with cerebral palsy. Children who suffer from this disorder will struggle to reach developmental milestones, such as sitting, walking, and even smiling. Cerebral palsy affects a child’s ability to control their muscles. Often, their muscles will not develop normally. This incurable condition could also cause hearing and vision problems as well as intellectual disabilities.
As stated above, the underlying causes of cerebral palsy vary. When a child is a victim of medical malpractice, the negligent medical professional or healthcare facility should be held liable. Having a child with cerebral palsy takes an emotional and financial toll on a family. While money will not cure your child, it will allow you to provide the care your baby needs. Our Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys have over thirty years of experience handling complex litigation. To schedule a free consultation, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Most children with cerebral palsy have congenital cerebral palsy, meaning they were born with it. However, there are some circumstances where cerebral palsy occurs because of an intervening event or birth injury.
Damage to the Brain’s White Matter
To understand white matter, you should imagine the brain as a computer. the gray matter is the computer itself, while the white matter consists of the cables that connect the computer to the rest of the body. These nerve fibers constitute part of the brain and spinal cord. When the brain’s white matter is damaged, signals from the brain could be disrupted, affecting certain motor functions.
Abnormal Development
If there is a disruption in the brain’s development during pregnancy, abnormalities could occur. Depending on the seriousness and type of abnormality, transmissions from the brain to the muscular systems could be interrupted. In some cases, an infection, trauma, or genetic issue could impact the brain’s development.
Brain Bleed
Believe it or not, a fetus could suffer a stroke – which is a common cause of bleeding in the brain. Strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures or becomes blocked. The resulting pressure could cause brain damage which could lead to cerebral palsy.
Oxygen Deprivation
Brain damage could occur if the brain fails to receive enough blood or oxygen. A mother who suffers from low blood pressure presents an elevated risk of depriving their fetus of oxygen. Other conditions could also limit the amount of oxygen a baby is getting, including a detached placenta, tangle umbilical cord, or head trauma.
Medical Malpractice and Cerebral Palsy
There is a well-established connection between medical malpractice and cerebral palsy. While the majority of cases are either genetic or unpreventable, many children develop the disorder because of the negligent decisions or conduct made during pregnancy or delivery. Every year, thousands of infants are injured due to the mismanagement of pregnancy or birth.
While every medical malpractice case is unique, presenting its own challenges and hurdles, some common mistakes result in damage to a newborn’s brain.
Before Delivery
Doctors should be monitoring the mother’s condition and the fetus’ health during pregnancy – especially if there are known risks. If a doctor fails to recognize a problem with the umbilical cord or placenta, the baby could lose oxygen.
During Labor
Every labor has the risk of potential complications that endanger the health of the child. For example, during delivery, a treating physician should be aware of signs of trouble, such as a reduced heart rate. When problems occur, the decisions a doctor makes are critical. Failing to order an emergency c-section could result in the baby being deprived of oxygen look enough to severely damage the brain.
During Delivery
While children are born every day, the delivery process is still dangerous for the mother and child. When an infant is trapped in the birth canal, perhaps because of a should dystocia, its head is susceptible to injury.
Many doctors will harm a child when attempting to assist in a difficult delivery. Forceps and vacuum extractors are often used when a baby is struggling to be born. When these medical instruments are used improperly, traumatic brain damage is likely to occur.
After the Birth
While rarer, preventable mistakes could occur after a child is born that result in brain damage and cerebral palsy. For instance, failing to diagnose or treat seizures could cause irreparable harm. Another common condition in newborns is jaundice. In most cases, this condition will clear up soon after birth. However, not recognizing or treating a severe case could cause brain damage. Furthermore, a child could develop cerebral palsy if an infection, such as meningitis, goes untreated.
Contact Our Maryland Birth Injury Attorney if Your Child Has Cerebral Palsy
If your child developed cerebral palsy during or soon after birth, it could have been a victim of medical malpractice. Labor and birth are often intense experiences.
You might not be aware of what happened during the process. However, if you suspect the level of treatment you received was substandard and your child suffered for it, call our experienced Maryland birth injury attorneys immediately. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to determine if you have a case.