Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects 2-3 babies in every 1000 babies born, according to statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  While some of the cases of cerebral palsy can be attributed to the natural birthing process or other medical factors beyond the control of the physicians, other cases are the result of medical malpractice.  Cerebral palsy can result when a baby is born prematurely, when a mother suffers certain infections while the baby is in the womb, when the fetus does not receive sufficient oxygen, and when the infant is deprived of oxygen during labor and delivery.  If the child suffered from a lack of oxygen during labor and delivery or suffered a birth injury due to a difficult labor, the potential for a medical malpractice case increases because the physicians should properly and immediately respond to these types of exigent circumstances.  If proper and immediate treatment is not administered, a devastating birth injury can result.

    At various stages within the child’s development, the parents may notice unusual behavior that may eventually lead to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.  The CDC has listed warning signs that may indicate cerebral palsy in children at 2, 6, 10, and 12 months of age.  These signs include: inability to control his or head when picked up (2 months); reaching with only one hand while keeping the other in a fist (6 months); crawling by pushing with one leg and hand while dragging the other hand and leg (10 months); inability to crawl or stand without support (12 months).  While cerebral palsy is usually not diagnosed until the child is 2-3 years of age, these early warning signs can be an indication that the child may face serious physical and mental challenges in the years ahead.  The diagnosis of cerebral palsy comes from evaluating the movements of the child, the child’s muscle tone, the child’s reflexes, and brain imaging tests such as an MRI.

    The lifetime cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy is approximately $500,000.  For most people, this is a staggering cost and can create an impossible financial burden.  Children may require surgeries, physical therapy, speech therapy, and special education services.  Families may be at a loss as to how to properly care for their special needs child.  Parents in Maryland and Washington D.C. that have a child with cerebral palsy should contact Robinson and Associates for a fee consultation.  Robinson and Associates can review your case to determine if a medical malpractice claim exists.  Because those responsible for your child’s injury can be held accountable for their actions and can be ordered to financially compensate your child for his or her injuries, it would be in the family’s best interest to contact an attorney at our firm for expert legal guidance.