Houston couples who are expecting a baby are filled with anticipation and joy. The birth of a child is one of the best days for parents and something they look forward to for months. Most births go as expected, but occasionally things happen during the delivery process that can lead to a serious birth injury such as cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy affects the part of baby’s brain that controls specific muscles. It’s a movement disorder and babies with CP also can have intellectual delays. Children who have CP can have trouble walking, seizures, speech problems and lack of control over their facial muscles. Children with CP tend to need a lot of long-term medical care, including frequent visits with a pediatrician, child neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, occupational therapist and speech and language therapist, among others. Long-term medications may also be needed.
One cause of cerebral palsy is a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain. If the baby didn’t get enough oxygen during birth, birth injuries such as cerebral palsy can occur. If a doctor fails to spot something going wrong with a birth, it can lead to a serious, life-long injury. Parents who believe their child may have suffered as a result of a negligent doctor may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the birth and help determine who should be held responsible. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, future medical expenses, and other damages.
Birth injuries such as cerebral palsy are often unexpected for families. These serious birth defects can cause a lifetime of necessary medical care and therapy.
