Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that may impact an individual’s speech, vision, hearing, motor skills and posture, among other possible physical or mental impairments. Typically caused by brain damage or abnormal brain development, cerebral palsy may develop before, during or after birth. In some cases, cerebral palsy caused by birth injury may be attributed to medical errors or negligence. In this article, we will provide examples of common medical mistakes which may be linked to cerebral palsy.
At Cardinal LifeCare Consulting, our licensed independent nurse consultants draw on extensive medical legal knowledge to assist lawyers with cases involving alleged medical malpractice and birth injuries. Our nurse consulting specialists also provide objective, evidence-based life care plans and expert witness services, which can help to build and support a medical malpractice or personal injury case. For more information about our services, contact us at 724-487-0519.
What Could Lead to Cerebral Palsy Caused by Birth Injury?
A medical professional’s failure to identify, diagnose and properly treat issues during pregnancy can lead to damage that may significantly increase the risk of an infant developing cerebral palsy. During or after childbirth, doctors may also make oversights which could possibly lead to cerebral palsy caused by birth injury. Examples include:
- Failure to identify the need for and perform an emergency Cesarean section in time to prevent brain damage;
- Failure to deliver oxygen to an infant at the appropriate time during childbirth;
- Failure to monitor infant heart rate and oxygen levels;
- Failure to detect and treat maternal infections, which can lead to infant brain damage;
- Improper use of medical instruments or devices during childbirth;
- Failure to identify, diagnose and treat complications with the umbilical cord or placenta;
- Failure to diagnose and treat a severe case of infant jaundice, which can result in infant brain damage; and
- Errors in anesthesia administration.
These risk factors for cerebral palsy are largely preventable with skilled, attentive medical care. But unfortunately, cerebral palsy is commonly linked to medical negligence that occurs before, during or after an infant’s birth.
Cardinal LifeCare Provides Valuable Services for Birth Injury Attorneys
If you’re an attorney working on a case involving a birth injury, you may benefit from consulting a life care planner or medical expert witness. At Cardinal LifeCare Consulting, we connect law firms nationwide with relevant specialists who can serve as allies for their case during litigation or settlement negotiations. To inquire about how our team may assist with your particular case, call us at 724-487-0519.
