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California Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

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Cerebral palsy (CP) is the term given to a wide spectrum of motor disorders that cause physical disability in human development. The disorder is not contagious and non-progressive. In general, CP is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain. This damage occurs most often during pregnancy (in about 75 percent of cases), less frequently after birth until the age of three (about 15 percent of cases), and minimally during childbirth (about 5 percent of cases).

CP can be caused by a variety of situations. Problems in intrauterine development are the most common. For example, infections in the pregnant mother or exposure to radiation can result in abnormalities in the developing brain. If the mother is exposed to certain toxins, her fetus can be put at a higher risk of developing CP.

Hypoxia, or a lack of sufficient oxygen, is another common cause. There are many things that can cause hypoxia in the brain, including premature birth, an improperly developed heart, or poorly functioning lungs. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that the death of an identical twin in very early pregnancy can disrupt blood circulation to the living child. This disruption can cause hypoxia in the brain of the surviving child, and result in CP.

After birth, toxins, physical brain injury, hypoxia, or severe infections such as meningitis can all cause CP in very young children. Hypoxia can be caused by anything from a near-drowning incident to choking on a foreign object. Brain injury can result from falls, shaking, and other head-related injuries.

In many cases, however, the direct cause of CP is uncertain. Debate is still ongoing as to the causes of the majority of CP cases. Many scientists are researching the topic to try to find ways to prevent the condition from developing.

Sometimes, a child will develop CP due to medical malpractice. There are a variety of ways that medical errors can contribute to CP. For instance, if a physician waits too long in deciding whether to perform a caesarian section, when one is required, the child could contract CP. Also, if they do not notice and properly treat fetal distress, the child can become affected. There are also a variety of errors that can occur if the doctor needs to use equipment to assist with delivering the baby, that can lead to CP. If you suspect that medical malpractice is the cause of your child's cerebral palsy, then you should speak to a lawyer immediately.

The vast majority of doctors and nurses are very qualified. Most will deliver hundreds of babies over their careers and do so with the utmost care. However, every once in a while, a doctor or nurse will end up making an error in the delivery room. If your child's cerebral palsy could have been prevented, you may be entitled to some form of compensation.

The state of California has many programs, centers, and assistance opportunities for children with cerebral palsy and their families. With these programs, a child with CP can receive an education, get treatment, and interact with similar children, regardless of the severity of their condition. Since cerebral palsy is such a wide-ranging term, a child with CP might only be physically disabled without any mental disability, or might have slight physical disabilities with severe mental disabilities. These centers and programs can cater to your child's needs to make his or her life as happy and fulfilling as possible.