Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can cause permanent physical impairments and it is often the consequence of errors committed by medical professionals shortly before or during an infant’s birth. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, cerebral palsy treatment is available and can improve the quality of life and functional capacities of people diagnosed with the condition. Unfortunately, some children who are being treated for cerebral palsy suffer additional harm due to the negligence of their treatment providers. If your child suffered injuries during treatment for cerebral palsy, you may be owed damages and should speak to a lawyer. At Arfaa Law Group, our assertive Baltimore birth injury attorneys are skilled at helping families grappling with the effects of harm caused by medical errors pursue justice, and we are eager to assist you with your legal needs.
Treatment for Cerebral PalsyPhysicians prescribe cerebral palsy treatment, and generally, what treatment an infant or child will receive depends on the nature and extent of his or her symptoms. For example, children who have cerebral palsy-related seizures may be prescribed medication or undergo surgery to reduce their convulsions' frequency or severity. Children with cerebral palsy often will benefit from physical, speech, and occupational therapy as well. In many instances, their food intake will need to be monitored and adjusted by a dietitian to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. They may also need to undergo surgical procedures to relax tightened muscles and may need medications to manage any pain or muscle-related symptoms. Finally, children living with cerebral palsy usually need one or more adaptive devices, such as wheelchairs, braces, crutches, and communication aids.
While all treatments for cerebral palsy aim to mitigate symptoms, when treatments are delayed or improperly performed, they can actively harm the children they are meant to help. For example, if seizures are not adequately managed, it can lead to head trauma and other injuries, and in some cases, death. Similarly, surgical errors can cause pain, worsened mobility, and tissue damage. In some instances, a doctor may not properly advise a child’s parents of the risks and potential adverse effects of a procedure before agreeing to allow the child to undergo treatment, and the child may suffer harm as a result.
Harm Related to Cerebral Palsy TreatmentInfants diagnosed with cerebral palsy often face numerous challenges, and when the providers that are trusted to ease their symptoms cause harm instead, it often causes emotional trauma, physical pain, and increased medical costs. In many instances, the parents of children harmed by the inadequate treatment of cerebral palsy can pursue damages from the medical professionals that hurt their children via a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Generally, a plaintiff pursuing damages for harm related to the treatment or failure to treat cerebral palsy must show the defendant acted negligently to prove liability. Under Maryland law, this means that the plaintiff must establish that the defendant had a duty to provide treatment that aligned with the applicable standard of care, which is that care that a competent professional practicing in the same specialty would provide in the same situation. The plaintiff also must prove that the defendant’s actions or failure to act demonstrate a breach of the standard. Generally, a medical expert's testimony is necessary to explain the appropriate standard of care and how the defendant breached the standard. Finally, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s breach caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm.
Speak to a Trusted Lawyer in BaltimoreChildren diagnosed with cerebral palsy must obtain prompt and appropriate treatment, and when they do not, it can cause lasting issues. If your child has cerebral palsy and suffered treatment-related harm, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney as soon as possible. The trusted lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are adept at proving negligent health care providers should be held accountable for the losses they cause. If you hire us, we will work tirelessly to help you seek a favorable result. We have an office in Baltimore, where we regularly represent people in birth injury cases. You can contact us via our online form or at (410) 889-1850 to set up a consultation.