Does Your Baby Have Cerebral Palsy?

Most Michigan parents hope their babies are born healthy. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination and movement. It occurs due to damage to the brain. The damage generally occurs before, during or just after childbirth. According to the Cerebral Palsy group, thousands of cases are preventable and due to medical malpractice.

CP may occur during the birth process. If physicians fail to recognize that a fetus is in distress or if a team does not recognize a health condition of the mother, the child may suffer brain damage as a result. Likewise, maternal infections sometimes go undiagnosed or treated. If a physical fails to test for common infections, if a physician does not provide adequate medication to treat an infection, then he or she may be liable for the consequences. Likewise, medical professionals should always test the baby after birth for any infections.

Childbirth is a delicate process. Any errors that occur during this time can have lifelong implications for the baby. Many conditions and hardships may lead to your baby losing oxygen to his or her brain. In the best of conditions, the baby receives oxygen from the placenta until he or she can breathe independently. When a baby loses that airflow, this can restrict oxygen to the brain and hence result in CP. If a doctor uses forceps incorrectly or if labor lasts too long, a baby may have CP. Likewise, if a mother has eclampsia or preeclampsia and does not receive proper treatment, the mother may suffer seizures that affect the baby.

None of the information provided is legal advice. Instead, it is for educational purposes.