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Omaha Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Did Your Child Suffer a Birth Injury?

During a difficult childbirth, a baby may go without oxygen for a period of time, and this can lead to several brain injuries. One of them is cerebral palsy, an umbrella term for neurological disorders related to damage to the motor control center of the brain – the cerebellum.

Cerebral palsy has no cure at this time. Some treatments have been found to alleviate the symptoms, but the damage is not reversible. Cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe, and the children may or may not suffer intellectual disabilities as well. The damage may affect one or both sides of the body, and is often most noticeable in the extremities. Some problems associated with cerebral palsy include:

  • Weakness, paralysis or rigidity of muscles
  • Pain, which is more often experienced as an adult
  • Limited movement and range of motion of the joints
  • Eating and digestion issues
  • Issues with vision, hearing, and speech
  • Abnormal positioning of legs, causing difficulty walking
  • Difficulty with mobility and use of the arms
  • Breathing issues and complications
  • Lack of muscular control and coordination

If your child has cerebral palsy, it could be a congenital malformation of the brain, or it could be a birth injury. If a healthcare provider caused your child’s injury, they may be liable to pay for the costs of treatment and other expenses. To learn more, please speak with an Omaha birth injury lawyer at Bottlinger Law L.L.C.

When Is Cerebral Palsy a Birth Injury?

Many dangers in the natural birth process are preventable, or can be managed to cause less damage to the infant. Modern technology has made huge advances in the information available to medical professionals throughout pregnancy. This information should be used to determine when a natural delivery will present a high risk to the mother and the infant.

But in some cases, medical professionals do not recognize the early indicators of complications or they fail to act on these indicators in a timely manner. The failure often results in birth injuries. Some of these negligent acts include:

  • Not monitoring for fetal distress
  • Not acting quickly when fetal distress is detected
  • Improper use of forceps
  • Improper use of vacuum extraction
  • Failure to recognize high-risk factors throughout the pregnancy

During a difficult delivery, not only can the baby’s oxygen flow be restricted by a compressed umbilical cord, it can also be reduced by drugs administered to the mother to stimulate and increase the speed of contractions. This could be a case of medical malpractice.

What Are Signs of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy in its milder forms is not always noticeable at birth, but it becomes more evident as the child reaches developmental milestones. Your child could be suffering from cerebral palsy if he or she:

  • Can’t hold head up or feels "floppy"
  • Has challenges with feeding and swallowing
  • Has limited movement on one side of the body
  • Has poor muscle control
  • Has overall delays in development

If you notice any of these signs, they could be indications of cerebral palsy. Doctors can perform blood tests, a cranial ultrasound, and a cognitive assessment to diagnose cerebral palsy. But it can take years to fully understand the extent of the injuries to your child and how to manage this disability for a lifetime.

Speak With a Lawyer Today

If you believe your child suffered injuries during birth, causing cerebral palsy, a free consultation with Bottlinger Law L.L.C. can help you understand your rights and your child’s right to compensation. Call (402) 505-8234 today to schedule your consultation.

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