Can Cerebral Palsy Be Caused By Medical Malpractice?

Can Cerebral Palsy Be Caused By Medical Malpractice During Birth?

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Shapiro Law Group

A mother in Oregon recently filed a lawsuit against Silverton Hospital for $40 million in economic and noneconomic damages after her newborn was deprived of oxygen and eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

In 2007, the Oregon mom arrived at Silverton Hospital 15 days overdue. She was given drugs to induce labor, but they had no effect. In response, the hospital staff increased the dosage. The doctor had to perform an emergency C-section, and it was discovered the baby had inhaled his own fecal matter. Doctors eventually resuscitated the newborn, but the damage had been done. Soon after arriving at a neonatal intensive care unit, the parents were told their child had brain damage.

Injuries like these are called anoxic brain injuries; brain injuries that are caused by a lack of oxygen. Unfortunately, their child may not have the same opportunities as other children and could need medical care for the rest of his life.

What Complications Can A Child Have From Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy can create lifelong struggles for the individuals who have it as well as their families by adding millions to potential lifetime healthcare and social care costs. As a group of disorders that involve nervous system and brain function, cerebral palsy can affect learning, movement, seeing and thinking, greatly reducing the quality of life for both the person who has it and their family. Cerebral palsy can be caused by birth injury and illness.

Our readers can find out more about Shapiro Law Group by visiting our Facebook page. To learn more about medical malpractice and birth injuries, please visit our cerebral palsy page.

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