Birth injuries can cause significant trauma that affects a child and their family for the rest of their lives. If you or a loved one has cerebral palsy and suspect medical malpractice was the cause, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, or other significant losses. At Bennett Johnson, LLP, in Oakland, CA, our attorneys can ensure that your cerebral palsy lawsuit is filed in a timely manner so you and your family can achieve the peace of mind you deserve. We understand the lasting impact cerebral palsy can have on both the victim and the family. While it can lead to financial hardship, strained relationships, and other complications, a cerebral palsy lawyer from our firm can fight to seek compensation you deserve for your ongoing suffering. Contact our office today to speak with an attorney.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that is typically caused by trauma to the brain, often occurring during pregnancy, childbirth, or even within a child’s first couple years. It is possible that these injuries are not caused by medical error or negligence, but most cases brought forth are medical malpractice claims against a negligent doctor, nurse, or midwife.

The condition most commonly occurs due to lack of oxygen during childbirth. This lack of oxygen may result from awkward fetal positioning or problems with the umbilical cord. In the first few days or even years of an infant’s life, failure to treat complications like respiratory or cardiovascular problems can also lead to cerebral palsy.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

There are four different types of cerebral palsy, each with its own set of symptoms, including:

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: As the most common type of cerebral palsy, patients experience permanently contracted limbs. This form of paralysis may affect just one or some limbs, or all four.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: With this form of cerebral palsy, patients lack depth perception and balance and have limited fine motor skills.
• Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: Patients with athetoid cerebral palsy experience involuntary movements of the limbs, face, mouth, or tongue. This can result in speech impairment and chronic drooling.
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy: About 10 percent of patients have multiple forms of cerebral palsy, which is referred to as “mixed”.

Patients with cerebral palsy may also experience seizures, problems with breathing and swallowing, vision or hearing impairment, and learning and behavioral disorders.

Bennett Johnson, LLP, has established a network of medical authorities that we can use to investigate your case and provide expert witnesses. 

Why an Experienced Attorney is Essential

Proving a doctor or nurse was at fault for the injury to your child can be incredibly difficult. You need an experienced attorney on your side to thoroughly investigate whether the development of cerebral palsy could have been prevented. Our attorneys establish liability in these cases by investigating the circumstances surrounding the birth injury. Bennett Johnson, LLP, has established a network of medical authorities that we can use to investigate your case and provide expert witnesses. Seeking compensation cannot make up for the trauma you and your child have suffered, but can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Speak with a Skilled Medical Malpractice Attorney 

If you suspect your loved one’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy was the result of a medical provider’s negligence, contact us online or at (510) 444-5020 today to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate attorneys can provide the tireless representation you need to seek deserved restitution.