How Cerebral Palsy Lawyers in Philadelphia Fight for Your Justice
There is one main processing center for your entire body and it’s your brain. Your brain controls what you think, how you feel, your ability to remember things, the way you move, the way you talk, and how you learn. It also controls your bodily functions, such as the beating of your heart and the digestion of the food you eat. Because your brain is the main processing hub for your body, damage to it means damage to one of the most complex and impactful organs in your body. This is why injuries to your child’s brain, like cerebral palsy, can be catastrophic and life-altering.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
The nomenclature derives from cerebral (having to do with the brain) and palsy (weakness or problems with muscles). Cerebral palsy can be caused by abnormal development of the brain, which can occur before birth, during birth, or within the several months after birth, while the baby’s brain is still developing.
Cerebral palsy can also be caused by damage to the brain. A brain needs oxygen to thrive. “Hypoxia” is when the brain does not receive adequate levels of oxygen. Lack of oxygen to the brain can cause cerebral palsy. So can an infection like meningitis, as well as some sort of head trauma.
In some cases, cerebral palsy can be caused by medical malpractice. In fact, there are various different forms of medical negligence that can lead to cerebral palsy. For instance, if the medical professional fails to detect and prevent potential dangerous hypoxia before, during, or after the birth, it could lead to devastating injuries. Other examples include the doctor failing to detect and promptly treat an infection or the doctor failing to perform a cesarean section where it is indicated. Another way a doctor’s medical error could cause cerebral palsy is where they negligently perform the delivery, e.g., using excessive force in extracting the baby from the uterus or vaginal canal or failing to properly monitor the baby’s heartbeat.
The Legal Process for Cerebral Palsy Cases
Cerebral palsy lawyers in Philadelphia can help you through the complicated medical malpractice process. First, they will want to gather crucial evidence so they can parse out exactly what happened before, during, and after your baby’s birth. They will want to review all medical records, including prescription orders, lab results, surgical notes, nursing comments, etc. They will likely have to hire expert obstetricians to review the records with a medical professional’s eye to determine whether medical malpractice occurred. Your Philadelphia cerebral palsy attorney will also have to file a Complaint with a Certificate of Merit. Both documents are required for your birth injury lawsuit to commence. Your cerebral palsy attorney in Philadelphia will use the above processes and engage many useful strategies to fight for justice for your family.
The Impact of Cerebral Palsy on Families
Cerebral palsy can place significant burdens on the family of the child and caring for a child with cerebral palsy can feel overwhelming at times. Kids with cerebral palsy need a lot of attention at home, and also need to go to many medical visits and therapies. A child with cerebral palsy may need to undergo rehabilitation and/or therapy for physical movement, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development. The child may need assistive devices like braces or wheelchairs. Medicine can also help some children who experience muscle pain and stiffness. All of these interventions cost money and can place uncomfortable financial strains on the family. By filing a birth injury lawsuit on your behalf, your cerebral palsy attorney in Philadelphia can help get you compensated for your financial losses related to your child’s cerebral palsy.
Your cerebral palsy attorneys are more than just legal representatives; they are advocates for justice. To find a cerebral palsy attorney in Philadelphia who will fight for you, contact VSCP Law.
