Ann Arbor Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Does Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Trace To Medical Malpractice?

Cerebral palsy is a form of brain damage that can result from trauma during childbirth. The term cerebral palsy refers to motor development in children — tremors, poor coordination, or weakness or stiffness in the limbs. It is also associated with seizures, cognitive deficits and other developmental disabilities.

There are different types and degrees of cerebral palsy, based on the effects of the child’s motor movement or the part of the brain that was damaged. Cerebral palsy occurs in about 2.5 of every 1,000 live births in the United States.

Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, has held Michigan physicians and hospitals accountable for birth injuries caused by medical malpractice, including cerebral palsy and other forms of infant brain damage.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy often results from a baby being delivered before the brain is fully developed. Babies born prematurely — between 26 and 30 weeks gestational age — have a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy than babies born at term. Babies born at 37 weeks gestational age or higher can develop cerebral palsy if there is significant hypoxia or asphyxia associated with the delivery.

Demonstrating causation to medical errors in childbirth requires a careful investigation of the facts to determine if the infant was deprived of oxygen to a dangerous degree, and that the medical professionals could have prevented brain damage. The medical records, including fetal monitor strips, may show indications of fetal distress or complications of labor and delivery that should have prompted a C-section or other intervention.

Contact Our Ann Arbor Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Today

If you believe your child suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of medical error, negligence or malpractice, please contact our office to discuss your claim with an Ann Arbor cerebral palsy attorney.