Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects a person’s ability to control their muscles. It is typically caused by damage to the brain or abnormal development of the brain while the brain is still developing. This brain damage can occur during fetal development, during birth, or early in the child’s life, either naturally or from medical negligence.

Common causes of cerebral palsy

The exact cause of cerebral palsy is unknown for most children. However, there are some common causes of cerebral palsy in cases that occur before the child is born. When a child is born with the condition, it is called congenital cerebral palsy. It can be caused by:

• Abnormal brain development
• Brain bleeding caused by stroke, blood clotting issues, or other conditions
• Lack of oxygen to the brain
• Damage to the brain’s white matter

It is less common for children to develop cerebral palsy after they are born. When cerebral palsy begins more than 28 days after birth, it is called acquired cerebral palsy. Common causes of cerebral palsy after birth include:

• Brain damage that occurs in the months or years after the child is born
• Head injury
• Meningitis, encephalitis, or other infections
• Impaired blood flow to the brain due to stroke, blood clotting issues, or other conditions

Can cerebral palsy be caused by medical negligence?

In some instances, a baby can experience brain damage in utero or during birth due to medical negligence or malpractice and develop cerebral palsy as a result. Of course, childbirth is a stressful event that may require medical professionals to make difficult decisions to protect the health of the mother and baby, and birth injuries may result.

Birth injuries are relatively common and most resolve on their own. However, birth injuries like Erb’s palsy or cerebral palsy may require a lifetime of care for the affected child. If the brain damage or abnormal brain development could have been prevented, the parents may have a legal claim against the medical professionals who allegedly failed to act.

Do you have a legal claim?

If your child has cerebral palsy and you believe the condition could have been prevented, submit your information now for a free case review. If you qualify, birth injury lawyers can investigate your situation to determine whether negligence or medical malpractice may have been a factor.

A birth injury lawsuit is one way to hold those responsible accountable. It may also result in significant compensation to help you pay for your child’s extensive medical needs, modifications to your home and vehicle, and other expenses.