You may be able to sue the doctor, if a doctor’s negligence led to your child’s cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that are usually caused by brain abnormalities during pregnancy, the delivery, or early in a child’s development. Most children who are born with cerebral palsy do not show any symptoms until months or years later.
In many cases, the brain damage associated with cerebral palsy occurs during pregnancy or during the birth process. A doctor or nurse may delay the delivery or fail to monitor the baby for signs of fetal distress. If the oxygen supply is cut off during delivery, the baby could get cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can also occur because of an accident, or even two or three years after a child’s birth. Cerebral palsy impacts a child’s speech, development, and coordination.
In some situations you can sue the doctor if your child has cerebral palsy. Normally you will need to prove that the doctor’s negligence led to your child’s cerebral palsy. If your child got cerebral palsy from an accident, you may be able to sue any negligent parties that caused the accident. Normally, your attorney will review your medical records and speak to eyewitnesses in order to build a case against the doctor or other negligent party.
If you are successful in your legal case, you may be able to receive compensation for your past and future medical expenses, which can amount to a great deal of money. You may also sue for your child’s pain and suffering and loss of income as a result of the disability.
If your child has cerebral palsy and you believe it is the result of negligence, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles medical malpractice attorney at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.