One of the more common birth injuries that has been linked to a lack of oxygen at birth is cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is the result of abnormal brain development and can result from complications at or near the time of birth. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include having difficulty with movement and control, cognitive delays, vision and hearing deficits, and in the worst case, an inability to care for themselves.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy – the condition lasts a lifetime.
Some of the factors that may lead to the development of cerebral palsy include:
•Lack of oxygen to the child at the time of birth, which may arise as the result of a delay in delivery. Where the delay could have been prevented, it may be possible to file a claim for medical malpractice.
•A maternal infection. Often with proper prenatal, harmful infections could be diagnosed and treated before injury occur.
•Traumatic brain injury to a child.
•Decreased blood flow to the infant during the labor and delivery process.
Where any of these actions were the result of a preventable medical error or mistake, it is important to determine whether the health care provider was negligent or liable for medical malpractice. In these instances, it may be possible to bring a claim for damages and recover monies that may help offset and pay for the life time of care required by many of those who suffer from this debilitating condition.
For more information, or if you believe that your loved one developed cerebral palsy as the result of a medical error, please contact the experienced Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.
