Advocating for Infants and Their Families
Caring for a child with cerebral palsy is a lifelong journey filled with emotional, physical, and financial challenges. For families whose child’s condition was caused by a preventable birth injury, such as oxygen deprivation or medical negligence during delivery, the impact can feel especially unjust. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are committed to helping families secure the resources they need to care for their child and hold negligent providers accountable.
If your child’s cerebral palsy is the result of a preventable medical error, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced attorneys specialize in advocating for families affected by medical malpractice, ensuring they receive the justice and financial support they deserve.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive motor disorders caused by brain damage or abnormalities that occur before, during, or shortly after birth. The condition primarily affects movement, coordination, and posture, but it can also lead to cognitive impairments, epilepsy, and difficulties with vision, hearing, or communication.
- Prevalence: Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in 323 children.
- Variability: The severity and symptoms of CP vary widely, from mild movement difficulties to profound physical and cognitive impairments.
While cerebral palsy cannot be cured, early intervention, therapy, and assistive technology can significantly improve quality of life. Unfortunately, many cases stem from preventable medical errors, making these injuries all the more tragic.
How Does Medical Malpractice Cause Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is often linked to birth injuries—traumatic events during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that result in brain damage. Common medical errors and risk factors that contribute to cerebral palsy include:
- Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy): Failure to monitor and respond to fetal distress can result in oxygen deprivation, leading to brain damage.
- Mismanaged Deliveries: Delays in performing necessary C-sections or improper use of delivery tools (such as forceps or vacuum extractors) can cause trauma to the baby’s brain.
- Failure to Treat High-Risk Pregnancies: Conditions like maternal infections, placental abruption, or umbilical cord problems must be carefully managed to prevent harm to the baby.
- Premature Births: Babies born prematurely are at higher risk of brain injuries if not given appropriate medical care, such as therapeutic hypothermia (cooling therapy) to minimize brain damage.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you suspect medical negligence may have played a role, our experienced attorneys can help determine the cause and guide you through the legal process.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is categorized into four main types, each with unique symptoms and challenges:
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy: The most common type, characterized by stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes. This can lead to difficulty walking, joint deformities, and chronic pain.
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Involves issues with balance and coordination, making fine motor skills (e.g., writing) challenging.
- Athetoid/Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Causes involuntary movements, muscle tone fluctuations, and difficulty with posture or motor tasks.
- Mixed Cerebral Palsy: Combines symptoms of the above types, such as stiffness in some muscles and weakness in others.
Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy symptoms often become apparent in the first two years of life. Early signs include:
- Developmental delays (e.g., not sitting up, crawling, or walking on time)
- Poor coordination or balance
- Abnormal muscle tone (stiff or floppy muscles)
- Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
- Favoring one side of the body
- Seizures or other neurological symptoms
A diagnosis of cerebral palsy is typically confirmed through imaging tests (MRI or CT scans) and a thorough evaluation of the child’s developmental history.
How a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Can Help
If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, pursuing legal action can provide your family with the resources needed for lifelong care. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, our cerebral palsy lawyers will:
- Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We review medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and uncover evidence of negligence or malpractice.
- Hold Negligent Providers Accountable: Whether it was a doctor, nurse, or hospital system, we work to ensure responsible parties are held legally and financially accountable.
- Secure Maximum Compensation: Families may be entitled to damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Costs of therapies, adaptive equipment, and home modifications
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Advocate for Systemic Change: By shining a light on preventable medical errors, we push for improved standards of care to protect future patients.
Preventing Cerebral Palsy: The Role of Medical Professionals
Cerebral palsy is often preventable when healthcare providers adhere to established standards of care. Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring Fetal Distress: Regular monitoring during labor ensures timely interventions if the baby is in distress.
- Performing Necessary C-Sections: When labor complications arise, a timely C-section can prevent oxygen deprivation or birth trauma.
- Administering Cooling Therapy: For babies at risk of brain injury, therapeutic hypothermia can reduce the severity of cerebral palsy.
- Managing High-Risk Pregnancies: Proper prenatal care and risk assessment are critical to preventing complications.
When medical professionals fail to meet these standards, the consequences can be devastating. Our attorneys are here to hold them accountable.
Why Families Choose Van Wey, Metzler & Williams
- Proven Expertise: Our firm specializes in complex birth injury cases, with decades of experience advocating for families affected by cerebral palsy.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll these injuries take and are dedicated to providing empathetic, personalized guidance.
- Results-Driven Advocacy: We have secured millions in compensation for families, helping them access the care and resources they need.
Contact Our Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Today
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to a preventable birth injury, don’t face this journey alone. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are here to provide the legal support and advocacy your family deserves.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (888) 414-1158 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case. Together, we can seek justice and secure a brighter future for your child.
