19 Oct The Different Forms of Medical Negligence That Cause Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the brain during or shortly after birth and can lead to lifelong disabilities. While there are many known causes of cerebral palsy, medical negligence during childbirth is one of them.
When a child is born with cerebral palsy due to medical negligence, it can have devastating effects on both the child and their family. In such cases, seeking help from lawyers for a child’s birth injury may be necessary in order to receive justice and compensation for the harm caused.
Medical negligence refers to any act or failure to act by a healthcare professional that falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the case of cerebral palsy, several forms of medical negligence can occur during childbirth and lead to this condition. This is what is discussed in this article.
Medical Negligence That Can Cause Cerebral Palsy
Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
During childbirth, the healthcare team is responsible for closely monitoring both the mother and baby’s condition. If there are signs of fetal distress, such as an abnormal heart rate or lack of oxygen, it is crucial that immediate action is taken. Failure to do so can result in brain damage and ultimately lead to cerebral palsy. This is a form of medical negligence that can be prevented if proper monitoring techniques are used.
Improper Use of Medical Tools
Medical tools such as forceps and vacuums may be necessary during difficult deliveries, but if not used correctly, they can cause serious damage to the baby’s brain. For example, excessive force or incorrect placement of forceps can result in head injuries that lead to cerebral palsy. It is the responsibility of the healthcare team to use these tools with caution and only when absolutely necessary.
Delayed C-Section
In some cases, a cesarean section (C-section) may be necessary for the safe delivery of a baby. If there are indications that a C-section should be performed, but it is delayed or not performed at all, the baby may suffer from a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. This can result in brain damage and lead to cerebral palsy. A delayed C-section due to negligence is a serious form of medical malpractice.
Improper Handling of Complications During Delivery
Childbirth is a complex process, and complications can arise at any moment. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be prepared and handle any complications appropriately. Failure to do so can result in serious harm to the baby, such as birth asphyxia, which can cause brain damage and lead to cerebral palsy.
Final Thoughts
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe it was caused by medical negligence during childbirth, it is important to seek legal help. Experienced lawyers can investigate your case and determine if medical malpractice was indeed the cause of your child’s condition. They can also help you seek compensation for the harm caused to your child and family.
In addition, seeking legal help can raise awareness of cases of medical negligence and hold healthcare professionals accountable for their actions. This can ultimately lead to better standards of care and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Editor’s note:
Remember not all cases of cerebral palsy are due to poor obstetrical care or malpractice. Prematurity, twinning, low birth weight and infections are among other causes that may increase the risk of injury and cerebral palsy in the baby.
Read more:
For more information:
- https://www.cdc.gov/cerebral-palsy/about/index.html
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cerebral-palsy
- https://medlineplus.gov/cerebralpalsy.html
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Last Updated on October 21, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD