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Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. Oxygen deprivation or trauma to the head during labor and delivery are two of the primary causes of cerebral palsy and can occur due for several reasons, including a delivery complication or doctor error. If the infant does not get enough oxygen the brain can be injured. Faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupt the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture. "Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle weakness.
Cerebral palsy itself is not progressive (i.e. brain damage does not get worse); however, secondary conditions, such as muscle spasticity, can develop which may get better over time, get worse, or remain the same.
There are roughly 764,000 children and adults in the United States who exhibit one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Currently, about 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with the condition each year. In addition, some 1,200 - 1,500 preschool age children are recognized each year to have cerebral palsy.
The medical providers caring for the expectant mother and the fetus are responsible to assure that they provide adequate care during the pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and immediately after the delivery of the infant. Failure to do so can result in the doctors and nurses being held accountable for the outcome of the pregnancy.
If you have suffered cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Please fill out the form below for a free evaluation of your claim by an experienced attorney. There is no cost or obligation for this service.
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