Baltimore Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Childbirth is something that happens every day, but still, adverse events can occur. A baby’s brain is rapidly developing and unfortunately, it can suffer from trauma, particularly during labor and delivery.
A common complication is cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect motor skills, muscle tone, balance, and posture. It is a permanent disability with no cure.
Cerebral palsy may have various symptoms, such as underdeveloped muscles, lack of balance and coordination, floppy limbs, poor head control, stiff muscles, spastic movements, tremors, seizures, vision or hearing problems, intellectual disability, and delays in walking and other milestones.
Cerebral palsy can be caused by various factors, and doctor negligence is often involved. Mistakes may be made during labor and delivery. A lack of oxygen due to doctor negligence can cause brain damage. Doctors need to be held liable when they cause a child to suffer injuries.
Legal compensation may be available to help offset the significant costs of raising a child with cerebral palsy. Learn more about medical malpractice by contacting a Baltimore cerebral palsy lawyer from Furman | Honick Law.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for cerebral palsy include:
- Untreated preeclampsia
- Inflammation in the placenta
- Untreated viral infections or STDs in the mother
- Multiple births
- Breech birth
- Premature delivery
- Exposure to alcohol and drugs
Types of Cerebral Palsy
There are three main types of cerebral palsy:
- Spastic cerebral palsy. This type accounts for 70% of all cerebral palsy cases. It is characterized by muscle stiffness typically limited to one side of the body. It affects the lower legs, making it difficult to walk. Cognitive deficits and seizures may also occur in severe cases.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy. This type of cerebral palsy impacts fine motor skills, balance and coordination. Some children experience erratic speech.
- Dystonia cerebral palsy. This type of cerebral palsy involves uncontrolled movements of the limbs and twisted torsos.
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Many children with cerebral palsy grow up to lead relatively happy lives. Many work, go to school, and even live on their own.
There is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, there are many medical treatments and therapies available to enhance quality of life. Depending on the severity of their cerebral palsy, the child may benefit from physical and occupational therapy, counseling, special schooling, surgery, medications, and mobility aids. However, these treatments are costly, and can exceed millions of dollars. That’s why you need a skilled lawyer on your side to help with these expenses.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
While many children with cerebral palsy grow up to lead productive lives, many suffer from lifelong mobility and cognition issues and need constant care.
Treatment can cost millions of dollars. If a doctor is to blame for your child’s cerebral palsy, seek legal help. The experienced Baltimore cerebral palsy lawyers at Furman | Honick Law can help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (410) 844-6000.