Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy (ACP) is a type of cerebral palsy characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled movements that can significantly impact a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks. These movements often result from damage to the brain's basal ganglia or cerebellum, which controls movement and coordination. 

Unfortunately, in some cases, athetoid cerebral palsy can be traced back to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. When a trusted healthcare provider fails to follow the standard of care, it can lead to devastating consequences, leaving families struggling to understand what went wrong. For parents facing this reality, understanding the condition and their legal rights is crucial. 

The network of local lawyers from the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance is dedicated to helping families who suspect medical negligence played a role in their child's diagnosis. If you believe your child's condition could have been prevented, a Cerebral Palsy Attorney from the network can evaluate your case and guide you through your legal options.

What is Athetoid Cerebral Palsy?

Athetoid cerebral palsy, also known as dyskinetic cerebral palsy, is a neurological disorder that affects muscle tone and movement. Unlike other types of cerebral palsy, ACP is marked by involuntary, writhing movements that are often slow and can affect the entire body, including the face, arms, and legs. These movements can be unpredictable, making everyday tasks such as eating, dressing, and writing challenging for the child.

Children with athetoid cerebral palsy may also experience:

• Fluctuating muscle tone: Muscle tone may alternate between being too tight (hypertonia) and too loose (hypotonia).
• Difficulty with speech: The involuntary movements can affect facial muscles, making speech difficult.
• Challenges with posture: Maintaining a stable posture is often hard due to uncontrolled movements.
• Trouble with motor skills: Fine motor skills, such as picking up small objects, are particularly affected.

Causes of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy can result from various factors, some of which are preventable. It’s essential to understand that not every case of ACP is due to medical negligence; however, certain scenarios can involve mistakes or misjudgments by healthcare providers that could have been avoided.

Common causes include:

• Birth asphyxia: A lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during labor or delivery.
• Jaundice and Kernicterus: Severe jaundice, if left untreated, can cause brain damage leading to ACP.
• Infections during pregnancy: Maternal infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus can harm the developing brain.
• Traumatic brain injury: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can cause head injuries.
• Failure to monitor fetal distress: Neglecting signs of fetal distress can lead to complications affecting the baby's brain.

Medical Negligence and Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the expected standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In cases of athetoid cerebral palsy, negligence might occur in various forms, including:

• Delayed C-section: When a timely C-section is not performed despite clear signs of fetal distress.
• Failure to treat infections: Inadequate prenatal care and failure to diagnose or treat infections that could affect the baby.
• Improper use of delivery tools: Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause trauma to the baby's brain.
• Failure to monitor oxygen levels: During labor and delivery, close monitoring of the baby’s oxygen levels is critical to prevent brain damage.

If you believe that medical negligence may have contributed to your child’s condition, consulting a local lawyer with the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance can help determine if you have grounds for a legal claim. Legal action can provide not just compensation for medical costs, therapy, and long-term care but also a sense of justice and accountability.

Diagnosing Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Diagnosing Athetoid Cerebral Palsy often involves multiple evaluations by healthcare professionals, including pediatric neurologists, physical therapists, and other specialists. The diagnosis typically includes:

• Medical history review: Assessment of the mother’s pregnancy, labor, and delivery records.
• Physical examinations: Observing the child’s movement patterns and muscle tone.
• Imaging tests: MRI or CT scans can help detect brain injuries that could be linked to ACP.
• Developmental assessments: Evaluating how the child is meeting developmental milestones compared to typical age norms.

Early diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. If you suspect that your child’s condition was caused by medical errors, seeking a legal consultation alongside medical advice can be a critical step.

Treatment and Support for Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

While there is no cure for athetoid cerebral palsy, various treatments can significantly improve the quality of life for affected children. Treatment plans are usually individualized and may include:

• Physical therapy: Focuses on improving movement, balance, and posture.
• Occupational therapy: Helps children develop skills needed for daily living.
• Speech therapy: Aims to improve communication skills and control of facial muscles.
• Medications: Used to manage symptoms like muscle stiffness and involuntary movements.
• Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct orthopedic issues.

Beyond medical treatment, support from family, educational resources, and community programs can make a significant difference in the lives of children with ACP. For parents, knowing that legal options are available can also provide peace of mind and financial support needed for their child's ongoing care.

The Legal Path Forward

Dealing with the emotional and financial challenges of a child’s athetoid cerebral palsy diagnosis can be overwhelming. If medical negligence played a role in your child's condition, legal action could be a path to holding those responsible accountable and securing the necessary resources for your child’s future.

• Evaluating your case: A local lawyer with experience handling birth injury cases can review medical records and consult experts to determine if medical errors contributed to your child’s ACP.
• Filing a claim: If evidence of negligence is found, a legal claim can be filed to seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, special education needs, and other costs related to your child’s care.
• Advocacy and support: Legal representation ensures that parents are not alone in their fight for justice and that their voices are heard.

A medical malpractice lawsuit is not about placing blame but seeking the financial support needed to provide the best possible care for your child and ensure their future needs are met.

Compensation Available in a Birth Injury Claim

When a child is diagnosed with athetoid cerebral palsy due to medical negligence, the financial burden on families can be overwhelming. Birth injury claims can provide essential compensation to help cover the significant expenses associated with caring for a child with special needs. A successful claim can ensure that your child receives the best possible care and support, now and in the future. Here are the types of compensation that may be available in a birth injury claim:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover past, current, and future medical costs related to your child's condition. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and any specialized treatments your child may require.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Children with athetoid cerebral palsy often need ongoing therapy to improve their mobility, coordination, and communication skills. Compensation can help cover the costs of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as assistive devices such as wheelchairs, communication aids, and other adaptive equipment.
• Home Modifications and Assistive Technology: Many families need to make changes to their homes to accommodate their child’s needs, such as installing ramps, modifying bathrooms, or adding specialized furniture. Compensation can also cover the costs of assistive technologies that help your child achieve greater independence.
• Loss of Income: Caring for a child with athetoid cerebral palsy often requires one or both parents to reduce their work hours or leave their jobs entirely. Compensation may include lost wages and the loss of future earning capacity, helping to alleviate the financial strain on families who must adjust their careers to provide the necessary care.
• Pain and Suffering: Beyond the tangible costs, families may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life that comes with raising a child with a severe birth injury. Although no amount of money can truly compensate for these hardships, financial relief can help ease the burden.
• Future Care Costs: As children with athetoid cerebral palsy grow, their needs often change, requiring ongoing medical care, therapies, and possibly long-term care. Compensation can help ensure that funds are available to support your child's needs throughout their life, including future medical treatments, in-home care, and other essential services.

Pursuing Compensation with Legal Guidance

A birth injury claim can be complex and emotionally challenging for families. A legal professional from the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance lawyer with experience handling birth injury cases can help parents understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation needed to provide the best possible care for their child. By holding negligent healthcare providers accountable, families can secure the financial support necessary to cover the extensive costs associated with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy.

If you suspect that medical negligence contributed to your child’s condition, connecting with a local attorney can be a crucial step in obtaining the justice and financial relief your family deserves.

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy FAQs

How can I determine if my child’s athetoid cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence?

Determining if medical negligence played a role in your child’s athetoid cerebral palsy requires a thorough review of the medical records and an understanding of what occurred during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. A local lawyer experienced in birth injury cases can work with medical experts to identify any failures or errors in the standard of care that may have contributed to your child’s condition. Common signs of negligence include delayed C-sections, failure to monitor fetal distress, or improper use of delivery tools.

How long do I have to file a birth injury claim for Athetoid Cerebral Palsy?

The time limit to file a birth injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. In many states, parents have a specific period after the discovery of the injury to file a claim, ranging from a few years to longer for cases involving minors. It’s important to consult with a local lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe. Delays can affect your ability to seek compensation for your child’s condition.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer from the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance?

Lawyers within the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or hourly fees. Instead, the lawyer’s fees are paid as a percentage of the compensation recovered from your claim. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe no legal fees. This fee structure ensures that families can access the legal representation they need without financial strain, allowing you to focus on caring for your child.

What if I’m unsure whether my child’s athetoid cerebral palsy was caused by negligence?

If you are unsure whether medical negligence contributed to your child’s athetoid cerebral palsy, it’s still important to speak with a local lawyer. They can conduct a thorough investigation, review the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth, and consult with medical experts to determine if negligence played a role. Even if you are uncertain, seeking a professional legal opinion can provide clarity and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Contact a Local Lawyer from the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance Today

If you believe your child’s athetoid cerebral palsy may be linked to medical negligence, connecting with a local lawyer experienced in birth injury cases is an essential first step. The Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance’s network of local lawyers understands the profound impact this diagnosis can have on families and is committed to helping parents explore their legal options. 

A local lawyer from the network can evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and work toward securing the compensation needed to provide the best possible care for your child. Don’t face this journey alone—reach out today at 888-894-9067 or through the online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.