posted by lawyersofmelbourne.com.au admin on Jan 3
Children who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy may experience severe debilitation, behavioral issues and mental deficiencies that require long-term, if not a lifetime, of treatment. Insurance does not always cover the hundred of thousand dollars in costs in medical costs for the families. Although various cerebral palsy associations provide access to resources to help families in need, some families may be entitled to additional compensation through a cerebral palsy lawsuit.
Cerebral Palsy & Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is sometimes to blame for the development of cerebral palsy. Families can seek financial and emotional damages due to the malpractice and with the help of a cerebral palsy lawyer this can be done successfully. For instance, damages that may be recovered with the help of a cerebral palsy lawyer may include:
- Medical expenses (including the cost of long-term care)
- Therapy costs (physical, occupational, mental, speech, etc.)
- Emotional suffering
However, it’s not always easy to determine whether medical malpractice contributed to a child’s condition. The causes of the condition is not known in many cases. But there are a number of red flags that may indicate medical malpractice is to blame and which parents should be aware of:
- Traumatic labor and delivery (particularly one that required the use of devices like vacuum extraction or forceps)
- Emergency C-section
- Seizures or serious infection after birth
- Severe jaundice
If any of these red flags were present during the delivery of your child, you should have your case evaluated by a cerebral palsy lawyer to determine your Legal rights.
Damage to the Brain
Cerebral palsy occurs when a fetus, infant, or young child sustains damage to the brain. This damage can be sustained in a variety of ways, many of which are unknown, but sometimes brain damage occurs as a result of birth injury or oxygen deprivation during delivery.
The hospital staff and doctors are responsible for ensuring there is proper care of the mother and baby during the delivery process. Failure to diagnose or treat an infection, failure to recognize fetal distress or to perform a timely C-section, and improper use of delivery tools can all result in serious consequences for the child. Cerebral Palsy is one consequence.
Contact a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
If you believe medical malpractice caused your child’s condition, contact a cerebral palsy lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options. It is imperative to act right when you suspect a problem because these types of medical malpractice cases have legal deadlines. At our Law firm, our lawyers have extensive experience with cerebral palsy cases. Our cerebral palsy attorneys offer free evaluations to determine your case and we will advise you of your legal rights. If it is determined that medical malpractice caused your child’s condition, we can file a legal claim on your child’s behalf and work to obtain fair compensation for the losses your family has suffered.