Cerebral palsy is a neuromuscular disorder that affects approximately 500,000 children and adults. This condition is caused by damage to the motor center of the brain during fetal development or birth. Parents usually notice the initial symptoms of cerebral palsy when their children fail to meet important developmental milestones, such as crawling and walking.
Cerebral palsy can be diagnosed based on these symptoms:
- Poor coordination and abnormal reflexes
- Difficulties maintaining posture and balance
- Impaired motor and oral motor functioning
While cerebral palsy is a non-aggressive disorder that doesn’t worsen over time, it can still impact a person’s health throughout the different stages of their life. After all, this condition affects a person’s ability to move, speak, eat, and grasp objects. As a person’s body naturally ages, the symptoms of cerebral palsy become more pronounced. In certain cases, adults may even experience premature aging due to the stress and strain of overtaxing their bodies on a daily basis. Most people affected by cerebral palsy live about 30-70 years, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
The long-term symptoms of cerebral palsy include:
- Muscle spasms
- Vision impairment
- Dental problems
- Swallowing disorders
- Contractures
- Joint problems
- Spinal deformities
- Back pain
- Incontinence
- Poor posture
- Weight gain
Tragically, there isn’t a cure for cerebral palsy. In fact, most research and studies are focused on preventing and treating this disorder. It’s estimated that about 15% of all cerebral palsy cases are a result of medical malpractice. Medical professionals are legally required to provide patients with a reasonable level of care. If your doctor prescribed you unsafe medications during your pregnancy or failed to recognize and treat your baby’s’ fetal distress, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Pursue Damages with a Trial-Tested Legal Team
If your child is the victim of medical negligence, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced birth injury attorney at Alex & Associates today. If your lawsuit is successful, you may be awarded restitution that accounts for your child’s present and future medical expenses. Plus, you can protect other parents and babies by holding the medical practitioner liable for their negligent actions.
Contact the Phoenix birth injury lawyersat Alex & Associates at (602) 483-6114 to schedule a consultation.