Comprehensive Advocacy for Children and Families Facing Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and can result from brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. While not all cases of cerebral palsy are caused by medical negligence, instances of oxygen deprivation or physical trauma during birth can lead to this condition.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely but may include:

• Stiff or floppy muscle tone
• Involuntary movements
• Impaired coordination and balance
• Delays in reaching motor skill milestones
• Difficulty with fine motor skills
• Speech impairments
• Intellectual disabilities (in some cases)

Erb's palsy is a form of brachial plexus injury that occurs when the network of nerves running from the neck to the arm is damaged during birth. This often happens due to excessive force or improper maneuvering during delivery, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia.

Symptoms of Erb's palsy may include:

• Weakness or paralysis in one arm
• Limited range of motion in the affected arm
• Loss of sensation in the arm
• Impaired grip strength

HIE is a type of brain damage that occurs when an infant's brain doesn't receive enough oxygen and/or blood flow around the time of birth. This can happen due to various complications during labor and delivery, some of which may be the result of medical negligence.

Potential consequences of HIE include:

• Seizures
• Feeding difficulties
• Impaired consciousness
• Developmental delays
• Cognitive impairments
• Motor disabilities

Shoulder dystocia occurs when one or both of a baby's shoulders become stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery. While not always preventable, proper risk assessment and management during pregnancy and labor can reduce the likelihood of this complication.

Potential injuries resulting from shoulder dystocia include:

• Brachial plexus injuries (including Erb's palsy)
• Fractures of the clavicle or humerus
• Oxygen deprivation leading to brain damage

Spinal cord injuries during birth are relatively rare but can have devastating consequences. These injuries can occur due to excessive traction or rotation during delivery, particularly in cases of breech presentation or the use of forceps or vacuum extractors.

The effects of spinal cord injuries can vary depending on the location and severity of the damage but may include:

• Paralysis
• Loss of sensation
• Breathing difficulties
• Bowel and bladder dysfunction

Fractures can occur during difficult deliveries, particularly when doctors employ excessive force or improper techniques. The most common fractures during birth involve the clavicle (collarbone) and the humerus (upper arm bone).

While many birth-related fractures heal without long-term consequences, severe cases can lead to:

• Nerve damage
• Impaired growth of the affected limb
• Chronic pain or discomfort

Intracranial hemorrhage refers to bleeding within the skull, which can put pressure on the brain and cause damage. This can occur due to trauma during delivery, often associated with the use of forceps or vacuum extractors, or due to other complications such as extreme prematurity.

The effects of intracranial hemorrhage can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Seizures
• Developmental delays
• Cognitive impairments
• Motor disabilities

Kernicterus is a rare but serious condition that occurs when severe jaundice goes untreated in newborns. It results in bilirubin (a yellowy substance produced when red blood cells break down) building up to dangerous levels and causing brain damage.

While jaundice is common in newborns, it should be closely monitored and treated when necessary. Failure to do so can lead to kernicterus, which may cause:

• Hearing loss
• Vision problems
• Dental issues
• Intellectual disabilities
• Athetoid cerebral palsy (a type characterized by involuntary writhing movements)

The Role of Medical Negligence in Birth Injuries

Some common forms of negligence that can lead to birth injuries include:

• Failure to properly monitor fetal distress
• Delayed or improper response to complications during labor and delivery
• Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors
• Failure to perform a timely cesarean section when necessary
• Improper administration of medications during pregnancy or labor
• Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections or other conditions that can affect the fetus
• Inadequate prenatal care and risk assessment

The lawyers in our network work diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding each birth injury case, collaborating with medical experts to identify instances of negligence and build strong legal arguments.