Medical Malpractice and Cerebral Palsy in Massachusetts
Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a movement and nerve disorder that is usually caused by damage to the brain before, during, or just after birth. There are several different types of cerebral palsy and the condition varies in severity, but most people with CP generally have difficulties with motor skills, speech, and cognitive functioning. Although there is no cure for CP, special equipment as well as speech, language, and physical therapy is often used to try and alleviate some of the difficulties involved in living with the condition.
Most experts agree that the earlier a diagnosis is made the better. Because of this, it is important to recognize different signs and symptoms of CP early on. Symptoms are subjective and depend on how a child feels, while signs refer to brain malformations or injuries that are clinically recognizable and will show up in a doctor’s exam.
Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of CP is medical malpractice at the time of birth. Some of the most common mistakes made by doctors and health care providers that result in CP include:
- A failure to recognize and treat low blood sugar
- The improper use of vacuums or forceps
- A failure to monitor the child’s heart rate and make the appropriate adjustments
- Allowing the fetus to remain in the birth canal too long
If you think your child has developed CP because of the negligence of medical practitioners it is important you contact an experienced cerebral palsy attorney in Massachusetts.