New Mexico Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer
Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a number of conditions that happen because of brain damage sustained at birth. When cerebral palsy was caused by medical errors, when proper care would have prevented cerebral palsy, that is medical malpractice.
At The Law Office of Salazar, Sullivan & Jasionowski, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we understand the challenges and emotional distress that can arise when a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to medical malpractice. If you believe your child’s condition may have been preventable, our dedicated team of legal professionals is here to help. We provide compassionate and experienced legal assistance to families affected by medical malpractice across New Mexico, including Santa Fe.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone and motor skills. It is caused by brain damage that typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth. The damage can result from several factors, including oxygen deprivation, brain infections and head injuries. The medical implications of cerebral palsy are significant and can include difficulties with physical movement, coordination, and communication, as well as potential learning disabilities and other developmental issues.
Signs And Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy In Newborns
A lack of oxygen to the brain can cause serious brain damage. There are many degrees of brain damage. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, a baby can suffer different kinds of injuries.
Early detection of cerebral palsy can be crucial for the management and treatment of the condition. Parents should look for early warning signs such as:
- Muscle tone variations: This can include either unusually stiff or floppy muscles.
- Poor reflexes: Delayed or abnormal reflex responses.
- Feeding difficulties: Problems with sucking or swallowing.
- Developmental delays: Delays in reaching motor skill milestones such as rolling over, sitting up or crawling.
- Abnormal posture: Favoring one side of the body or adopting unusual postures.
Cerebral palsy may cause motor disabilities. Gross motor skills (such as walking and running) can be damaged. Or the baby may have damage to fine motor skills – the skills that enable people to use their hands effectively, for example. Cerebral palsy can also cause cognitive problems – an inability to think or reason at a normal level.
How Medical Malpractice Can Cause Cerebral Palsy
When a delivery doesn’t go right, when birth complications arise, cerebral palsy can be the result. Cerebral palsy can sometimes be a result of medical malpractice.
Preventable causes include:
- Oxygen deprivation: Failure to adequately monitor the baby’s oxygen intake before, during, or after delivery can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a condition that can cause cerebral palsy.
- Delayed C-sections: A delay in performing a necessary cesarean section can result in prolonged distress for the baby, leading to potential brain damage.
- Improper fetal monitoring: Inadequate monitoring of fetal heart rate during labor and delivery can fail to detect distress, including situations where emergency interventions are required.
If the birth injury was caused by medical error, it is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney about obtaining the financial resources needed to deal with the injury now and for the child’s lifetime.
We Can Help You Pursue Justice For Medical Negligence. Talk To Us Today.
Contact The Law Office of Salazar, Sullivan & Jasionowski today to learn more about how we can help you. You can reach us to schedule a free consultation by calling 505-349-4003 or by filling out an online contact form.