Cerebral Palsy Attorney
Phoenix, Glendale and Mesa, Arizona
Cerebral Palsy is a broad term that refers to chronic, muscle coordination disorders. This birth injury results from direct damage to the section of the brain that controls motor functions. While it typically occurs during childbirth complications, later brain trauma can also cause Cerebral Palsy.
The burden of living with Cerebral Palsy is great. Children are unable to interact with their peers in similar ways that other children can. However, while challenging, this does not mean that a relatively normal life with Cerebral Palsy is impossible.
How Cerebral Palsy Occurs
One of the most saddening facts regarding Cerebral Palsy is that in many cases, this disorder resulting from a medical mistake may have been preventable. A physician's negligence during childbirth can cause Cerebral Palsy by:
- Failing to recognize the need for a Cesarean Section before permanent damage is caused
- Utilizing an improper level of Pitocin, a labor-inducing drug
- Inadequately responding to fetal distress
- Not responding appropriately to umbilical cord complications
- Failing to recognize and respond to signs of oxygen deprivation to the baby
- Inadequate treatment of urinary tract infections in the mother
- Improper use of forceps
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Generally, Cerebral Palsy symptoms appear before age three. Signs can include:
- Drooling
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Impaired motor skills
- Blatant use of one hand over the other
- Appearance of floppiness or stiffness
- Easily startled
- Eating difficulties
- Lack of head control
- Poor visual skills
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
The severity of symptoms, treatment, and successful recovery is highly dependent upon early detection. Still, costs of rearing a child with Cerebral Palsy are extraordinary: excluding out-of-pocket expenses, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimated that, in 2003, the lifetime cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy was $921,000. This can include:
- Surgery
- Seizure medications
- In-home care or institutionalization
- Psychological care
- Physical, speech and/or occupational therapy
If medical malpractice resulted in your child's Cerebral Palsy, you deserve financial compensation in order to provide your child with the best services and treatment available.
If your child has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in the Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson, Arizona area, please contact the Arizona birth injury office of The Mayro Law Firm today or call (602) 604-8400 to schedule a consultation with Mr. Mayro.
Suite 700
Phoenix, AZ 85016
