Cerebral Palsy Attorneys

Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of neurological disorders affecting a person’s mobility. It is the most common childhood motor disability affecting thousands of children each year. If your child was diagnosed with CP and you believe it was caused by medical negligence or malpractice, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.

At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, our lawyers fight for those injured due to a healthcare provider’s negligence or wrongdoing. When your child’s cerebral palsy is the result of malpractice, you deserve compensation. Our legal team will work tirelessly to get you the financial recovery you need to cover all of your child’s medical expenses and future care. 

If your child was diagnosed with CP after trauma during labor and delivery, contact our office at (888) 367-7160 for a free consultation. 

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that can affect a person’s movement, coordination, and motor skills. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the most common motor disability in childhood. Children with cerebral palsy may be unable to walk, have muscle weakness, or have significant motor delays. It is essential to consult with your pediatrician if your child is missing developmental milestones.

In most cases, cerebral palsy is diagnosed in early childhood, before the age of 2. However, any signs of abnormal development should be discussed with your doctor. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early intervention can help alleviate some of the symptoms and complications related to the condition. 

How Common Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a common childhood disorder. Data from the CDC suggests that around 1 in 345 children in the U.S. have CP and that thousands of children are diagnosed each year with the condition. In total, cerebral palsy affects approximately half a million (500,000) people nationwide. 

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain. In some cases, it is difficult to discern what caused the initial abnormality, but in others, the damage is the result of medical negligence. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common conditions that result from a birth injury. 

Causes of cerebral palsy resulting in liability may include:

• Premature birth
• Maternal infection
• Obstruction during delivery
• Prolonged delivery resulting in fetal oxygen deprivation
• Medication errors
• Failure to perform a timely c-section
• Prolapsed umbilical cord
• Untreated severe jaundice
• Bleeding into the brain
• Fetal stroke

A Houston cerebral palsy attorney can help investigate the cause of your child’s cerebral palsy and determine if you have a valid claim for damages. If your child’s cerebral palsy was preventable, caused by a failure to monitor, diagnose, or treat warning signs, you might be entitled to a significant financial recovery.

What Are Signs of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy can have several signs and symptoms. Early screening for CP can help increase a child’s success in handling the symptoms and avoiding complications of the condition. 

Signs of cerebral palsy may include:

• Missed developmental milestones
• Delayed speech and language
• Seizures
• Hearing or vision problems
• Uncoordinated or involuntary movements
• Inability to roll over, crawl, or walk
• Muscle stiffness
• Trouble with coordination or balance
• Exaggerated reflexes (spasticity)
• Intellectual disabilities

Any signs of cerebral palsy should be brought to the attention of a pediatrician. The vast majority of cases are congenital, meaning they occur before or during birth. Only around 10-15% of CP cases develop over 28 days after delivery. CP that develops over 28 days after birth is referred to as acquired CP and is usually caused by an infection or traumatic head injury.

What Are the Types of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is classified into four (4) main types. The classification depends on which area of the brain is affected and to what extent the parts of the body are affected.

Types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic cerebral palsy - As noted by the CDC, spastic CP is the most common form of cerebral palsy affecting nearly 80% of those diagnosed. Individuals with spastic CP have increased muscle tone, often causing stiffness and difficulty walking.
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy - Dyskinetic CP results in uncontrolled movements throughout the extremities. The movements may be rapid or slow and can affect the face and tongue. Muscle tone may also vary.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy - Ataxic CP is characterized by coordination and balance issues. It may affect a person’s ability to walk steadily or control their movements.
• Mixed cerebral palsy - Mixed CP occurs when a person displays symptoms from one or more types of cerebral palsy.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of those diagnosed with any form of cerebral palsy are unable to walk without assistance. Damages in a cerebral palsy claim may include compensation for assistive mobility devices. 

Getting the Justice You Deserve

If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe it was caused by medical negligence, contact our office at (888) 367-7160 for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win. Call now to get started.