Cerebral Palsy

Ohio Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Ready to Expose Avoidable Medical Mistakes

In an instant, the joy of a newborn child can be rocked by the news that the child will suffer from cerebral palsy the rest of his or her life. Compounding the pain is the realization that this birth injury could have been prevented by greater care or attention by the doctor or staff.

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy — a condition often caused by mistakes during childbirth — we are committed to helping you get answers and holding the responsible parties accountable. At Clark, Perdue & List our attorneys have the medical and legal understanding needed to carefully investigate the circumstances of the birth and show where greater care should have been taken.

While monetary compensation cannot reverse the effects of the doctor’s error or medical malpractice, it can help to cover costly medical expenses and provide for the child later in life. We understand the impact this has had on your life and that of your child, and we are dedicated to helping you. Adjusting for inflation, the estimated lifetime cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy, originally estimated at $1 million in 2003 by the CDC, would be approximately $1,658,201 in 2024.

Our firm maintains a low volume of birth injury cases, allowing us to give each case the attention it deserves. To find out about the compassionate and dedicated representation that our firm provides to families throughout Ohio, contact us online or call 614-469-1400 or toll free at 800.647.7003.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage that impairs the brain’s ability to communicate with muscles. This condition affects movement, posture, muscle control, and balance. In addition to physical impairments, cerebral palsy can cause respiratory distress and may also impact cognitive functions, leading to challenges in learning and development.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

One cause of cerebral palsy is oxygen deprivation at birth (also called ‘hypoxia’). Hypoxia can occur due to various complications during labor and delivery, including:

• Twisting or compression of the umbilical cord: This can restrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the baby’s brain.
• Forceps injuries: Improper use of forceps can lead to physical trauma and reduced oxygen supply.
• Delayed C-section: When a cesarean section is not performed promptly in cases of fetal distress, it can result in prolonged oxygen deprivation.
• Other actions restricting oxygen: Any medical action or inaction that reduces oxygen flow to the baby’s brain can lead to cerebral palsy.

Living with Cerebral Palsy:

Raising a child with cerebral palsy presents numerous challenges, but with the right medical intervention and intensive therapy, many children can improve their abilities and quality of life. Treatments may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication to manage symptoms. Early and ongoing support can help some children achieve significant progress, although outcomes can vary widely. Not all individuals with cerebral palsy respond equally to treatment, and some may continue to face substantial difficulties throughout their lives.

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and cognitive needs. Support from healthcare professionals, educators, and therapists is crucial in helping these children reach their full potential. Not all individuals with cerebral palsy, however, are successfully treated.

In Columbus, Birth Injury Attorneys Clark Perdue & List Find Justice for Cerebral Palsy Birth Injuries

The medical malpractice lawyers of Clark Perdue have years of experience representing families dealing with a birth injury. We understand the difficulties associated with caring for an injured child and the trauma of realizing that a doctor made a mistake. We are experienced at holding medical professionals accountable for their negligence, and seek compensation to cover a potential lifetime of expenses.