Cerebral Palsy is an illness that affects the signals that the brain sends to the body. This causes difficulties in muscle control, motor skills, and speaking ability. Although there are many degrees of severity, it can be a very crippling illness. In its most severe states, it can cause patients to lose all control of their limbs rendering them immobile. It can also take away the ability to speak or eat without help. In its less severe forms, it can affect one hand, making it difficult to write and perform other fine motor skills. Many people with the milder form of CP live relatively normal lives. However, those who have the more serious illness will have to be cared for constantly for the rest of their lives.

Most cases of CP are caused by one single trauma to the brain. This can occur at anytime from pregnancy to the age of three. During these years, the brain is at its peak development stage and any slight trauma can have lifelong repercussions. If CP was developed during pregnancy, there could be a number of causes. Any abuse of alcohol, nicotine, or drugs during pregnancy can cause CP after the child is born. It can also be caused by the mother having a sexually transmitted disease.

However, the most common reason for the development of CP is medical malpractice. If you think that your child has acquired Cerebral Palsy due to medical malpractice, you need to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. There are many lawyers and law firms who specialize in this type of case. CP is one of the most common illnesses that are caused by medical malpractice, so these attorneys have a lot of experience in the field.

There are a few ways that doctor error can trigger this disease. If the physician delays in deciding to perform a C-Section, this can cause the illness. If the brain is denied oxygen for even a few seconds, it can cause a trauma that cannot be reversed. Although most doctors will go their entire career without ever having a problem during a birth, there are some that have less than perfect records. Hiring a qualified lawyer who has dealt with Cerebral Palsy cases in the past is the first step to determining if your child’s Cerebral Palsy was caused by medical negligence.

Car accidents are another leading cause of CP. Brain damage is a common consequence of a car accident, and children are especially susceptible. If your child now suffers from Cerebral Palsy due to a car accident, consult with an attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to ensure that the person responsible is ordered to pay for the medical expenses that his or her mistake has cost you and your child.