Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood and affects more than 764,000 children and adults across the United States. Every year, 10,000 babies that are born will develop cerebral palsy, which sadly is incurable. Since there is no cure for cerebral palsy, babies that are affected will need a lifetime of care, therapy, and rehabilitation in order to learn to deal with the complexities of modern life. Through early intervention services, however, children with cerebral palsy can lead a more typical and improved quality of life.

Cerebral palsy refers to a collection of neurological disorders that affect a variety of body functions, including coordination, muscle control, cognitive function and balance. While cerebral palsy can be caused by genetics or maternal infections, it is often caused by a birth injury that is the result of medical negligence. Our Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Golomb & Honik, P.C. have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for parents of children who suffered birth injuries, including cerebral palsy, as a result of medical negligence.

Discuss your legal needs with our team during a free case evaluation. Schedule yours by calling (215) 278-4449.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There is no single recognized classification system for the various types of cerebral palsy, but cerebral palsy is often broadly categorized in one of three ways based on the condition's impact to motor function:

• Athetoid or Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: uncontrolled, slow, involuntary movements, and general lack of coordination characterize this type of cerebral palsy.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: this type of cerebral palsy is categorized by poor coordination, balance, and depth perception.
• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: this type of cerebral palsy is categorized by muscle stiffness, lack of limb control, permanent stiffness, and exaggerated reflexes.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that may be the result of lack of oxygen, infection or bleeding in the brain. While cerebral palsy can develop during pregnancy, it is sometimes the result of medical malpractice. Lack of oxygen during labor and delivery, and physical trauma during childbirth are the most common causes of cerebral palsy in medical malpractice lawsuits. OBGYN errors, medication errors, delay in diagnosing fetal distress, inadequate monitoring, and failure to perform C-section promptly can all result in a baby being deprived of oxygen and developing cerebral palsy later in life.

Effects of Cerebral Palsy

A child who has cerebral palsy may exhibit one or more of the following effects:

• Muscle tightness or spasticity
• Difficulty walking
• Disturbance in gait
• Mobility issues
• Involuntary movements
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble speaking
• Difficulty feeding
• Impairment of sight, hearing, or speech
• Seizures
• Intellectual disabilities
• Learning disabilities
• Respiratory issues
• Skin disorders
• Difficulty with bladder and bowel control

Financial Impact of Cerebral Palsy

It is estimated that the lifetime costs of caring for a child with cerebral palsy is in the millions of dollars. This does not include indirect costs, such as disability equipment, lost wages for parents who must now care for their child, and rising insurance premiums. Children who exhibit learning difficulties and intellectual difficulties, along with their cerebral palsy will incur the highest medical costs.

Cerebral palsy often necessitates lifelong management and care, which may include medication, and physical and cognitive therapy. Depending on the severity of their cerebral palsy, some children will require costly wheelchairs, disability equipment, and medications to control their seizures. Many will require frequent hospitalizations and follow-up doctor’s visits, as well as daily therapy and specialized care.

Call our Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at (215) 278-4449

If you believe your child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, please contact our Philadelphia cerebral palsy attorneys for guidance. We welcome clients from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and across the United States. We can pursue justice on your behalf.