Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy, which results from a lack of oxygen to the brain of the baby during labor and/or after delivery, is one of the most severe injuries that can occur during the birth process. The baby gets oxygen through the umbilical cord during the nine months of pregnancy.  If the umbilical cord is compressed during labor and/or delivery and the supply of oxygen is not sufficient, the baby’s brain can suffer permanent, often devastating, damage. 

Cerebral Palsy is the term used to describe a motor coordination problem that results from an injury to the part of the brain that controls voluntary muscle use and coordination.  It is often associated with seizures and/or some degree of mental retardation.  There are several different types of Cerebral Palsy, based on the area of brain affected and the severity of the injury.

Any kind of Cerebral Palsy, regardless of its type or severity, can have life-long consequences to the baby and the family.  This calls for an immediate and careful investigation of the entire labor and delivery process to determine whether or not this birth injury could have been prevented.  In many cases, evidence in the medical record shows significant problems and gives clear proof that the unfortunate outcome could have been prevented with responsible medical care. 

If your baby or the baby of someone you care about is suffering from developmental delay or a movement disorder, it is possible that a birth injury may have led to Cerebral Palsy.  Call the California Medical Malpractice Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel & Associates at (800) 541-9376.  Dr. Fagel is well known and respected by members of the legal and medical community for the many birth injury cases he has handled successfully.  Click here to hear the stories of families who he has helped, and how his representation changed their lives.