Cerebral Palsy

A mistake in the delivery room by a doctor can leave a family wondering what next steps to take. If a doctor’s errors were serious enough, they may have left that child with a permanent birth injury such as cerebral palsy. This birth injury can have a long-term impact on a child’s ability to move, sometimes affecting major movements like running or walking and other times affecting smaller fine motor movements.

These injuries often leave families shaken and unsure about their future. Cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but a child’s quality of life may be improved through treatment options. However, families may not have the money to cover these expenses. That is why it is important to pursue financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. For more information regarding your legal options after a birth injury, contact the St. Louis cerebral palsy lawyers of the Finney Law Office by calling (314) 557-4049.

The Signs of Cerebral Palsy

There are several possible causes of cerebral palsy that a doctor should be able to avoid. In particular, a child exposed to an infection while in the womb may develop cerebral palsy. This should be avoided by prompt medical treatment if an infection is identified. During delivery, a doctor may contribute to the development cerebral palsy by putting a child in a position to suffocate or choke. The lack of oxygen can lead to cerebral palsy.

The following are the major signs and symptoms of this nervous disorder:

• Unusual posture or movement
• Involuntary muscle movements
• Seizures
• Language development or speech problems
• Incontinence

In some cases, these symptoms may not become apparent until a child is several months old.

If your family has suffered because of a physician’s mistakes, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit. For more information, contact the St. Louis cerebral palsy attorneys of the Finney Law Office at (314) 557-4049 today.