Statistics indicate that as many as four of every 1,000 births result in cerebral palsy. An Oregon couple faced with this outcome may have numerous questions about this motor disorder, one of the most common suffered by babies. In some cases, parents may have advance warning of a possible medical problem based on prenatal tests. However, many instances of cerebral palsy arise because of medical errors or neglect during labor and delivery. In such cases, parents might have reason to seek compensation related to the situation.
Oxygen deprivation is often tied to an outcome involving cerebral palsy, and this can be a problem if a delivery is delayed. In some cases, providers might incorrectly use procedures such as vacuum extraction or forceps delivery. A prolapse of the umbilical cord could also result in birth injuries such as cerebral palsy. Monitoring during labor is typically used to identify distress for either the mother or the baby. Errors or neglect in this monitoring could result in cerebral palsy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the costs of dealing with cerebral palsy can total $1 million or more over the course of a child’s life. If the matter can be attributed to medical malpractice, a parent may be able to file a claim to obtain compensation that would help in covering the unexpected costs of caring for a child with cerebral palsy.
Parents need to realize that not all cases of cerebral palsy are caused by medical malpractice. Further, some instances may occur in spite of the efforts of health care providers to ensure a safe delivery. Parents who are uncertain about the causes and responsibility could discuss the situation with a medical malpractice lawyer to see if filing a lawsuit is warranted.