Proven Results in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits
Cleveland, Ohio, Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Cerebral palsy is damage to the part of the brain that controls motor skills. Children born with this condition suffer physical impairment, usually profound and lifelong. For parents, the heartbreak and financial burden of caring for such a child is overwhelming.
Becker & Mishkind Co., L.P.A. has a demonstrated record of holding doctors and hospitals accountable when their negligence leads to birth injury. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, we take cases from across the state and are frequently called upon for co-counsel or advice in litigation in other states.
If you suspect medical malpractice caused your child to be born with brain injury, contact our proven trial lawyers for a free initial consultation.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy in the unborn baby may develop during pregnancy or after birth, but often results from (a) oxygen deprivation or (b) traumatic head injuries during labor and delivery. It commonly is secondary to misdiagnosis or negligence in prenatal care, improper birthing technique, or failure of medical staff to recognize fetal distress or newborn complications such as:
- Prolapsed umbilical cord (cord compression during birth, cutting off blood and oxygen)
- Fetal distress resulting in delayed C-section
- Head trauma from delivery forceps, cephalopelvic disproportion, vacuum extractor
- Newborn jaundice
- Premature birth, as from undiagnosed preeclampsia, incompetent cervix, and preterm labor
Fetal heart monitors and other vital sign monitoring should alert nurses to fetal distress, and they should notify the doctor immediately. The OB/GYN or delivering caregiver must make the correct decision on continuing labor toward a vaginal delivery or surgical intervention.
The Impact of Cerebral Palsy
There are different types of cerebral palsy (CP), manifesting in a range of motor and sensory impairments. Those afflicted may have severe problems with coordination and balance, uncontrollable tremors, weak muscle tone, or no muscle control at all. They may have loss of speech and vision conditions. Spasms and muscular atrophy often develop into permanent deformities.
Most children with CP have no cognitive deficits; it's a tortured life, trapped in a body that won't cooperate. Parents suffer too, from the grief, exhaustion of round-the-clock care and the financial pressures. Care for a child with cerebral palsy — physical therapy, nursing care, special education, medications — can easily exceed millions of dollars over a lifetime.
We take cases in Ohio, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Becker & Mishkind pursues the truth and if warranted will seek comprehensive damages to hold medical providers accountable and to improve the lives of our clients. We have almost a 30-year record of verdicts and settlements in obstetric malpractice litigation. Contact us today at 1-800-826-2433 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation. We receive no attorney fees unless we secure compensation.
