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Teal & Montgomery
Attorney who is a medical doctor
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The birth of a child is one of the most memorable experiences in life. For parents, this day is seared onto their memories permanently. Becoming a parent should be filled with joy and celebration, but for families whose children encounter difficulty or life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth, happiness isn’t the most pervasive feeling surrounding the experience. Learning that your child suffers from cerebral palsy is no doubt one of the more difficult scenarios connected to the childbirth experience.

If your child suffers from Cerebral Palsy and you are concerned that negligence during your pregnancy or childbirth had something to do with it, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call 916-448-1010 today to speak with a dedicated Birth Injury Lawyer in Sacramento, California.

About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy can refer to a number of conditions marked by a neurological disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood. These conditions permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time. The cause has to do with abnormalities in the part of the brain that control muscular movements. Some early signs (before age 3) of cerebral palsy may include:

  • Deficiency in muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements
  • Rigid or tight muscles
  • Exaggerated or spastic reflexes
  • Dragging one foot or leg when walking
  • Walking on tip-toe
  • A crouched gait

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can be caused by brain damage from any of the following:

  • Brain infections like bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis
  • Head injuries from a fall, auto accident or abuse
  • Lack of oxygen during labor and delivery
  • Premature delivery
  • Birth trauma

The Long-term Effects of Birth Injuries

It is utterly unfortunate that an innocent child should suffer so needlessly. Birth injuries have immediate and long-term effects. Immediately, the child may require extended time in the hospital or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), or even surgery. On a long-term basis, the child may require ongoing treatment, medication, physical therapy, or future surgeries. All of these take a mental, physical, emotional and financial toll on families.

Parental or Medical Negligence

Was the birth injury caused by parental or medical negligence? What went wrong during pregnancy, labor or delivery that caused cerebral palsy in your child? How will he or she cope with its effects over a lifetime? How will you as the parent cope or find answers and resources? Is a normal life possible despite disability and abnormalities? If medical malpractice is a possible cause of your child’s development of cerebral palsy, it might be due to the following factors:

  • Failure to detect adequately handle infections (like meningitis) in the mother during pregnancy
  • Failure to properly monitor fetal heart rate during labor and delivery
  • Failure to detect umbilical cord prolapse
  • Failure to schedule a cesarean section when the baby is too large to safely be birthed vaginally
  • Delay in or failure to perform a medically necessary cesarean delivery
  • Negligence and physician error or inexperience in instrumental assisted deliveries (such as vacuum and forceps).

A Knowledgeable Lawyer Is a Valuable Source of Information

As you come to terms with the sobering reality that your child suffers from cerebral palsy caused by brain damage during birth in a California hospital, you are advised to contact a caring, knowledgeable Sacramento birth injury attorney who specializes in Cerebral Palsy. Your legal professional will help you navigate your response to this news.

California Birth Injury Lawyers

Our team of dedicated, skilled personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys in Sacramento and Santa Rosa includes a doctor who is also a lawyer. The entire law firm of Teal & Montgomery is prepared to place a high priority on excellent, effective preparation of your case.

We welcome you to contact us or call 916-448-1010 to schedule a free initial consultation at your convenience. We can visit you in your home or hospital if necessary.