Breaking Down Myths About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is often thought of as being a disease. In fact, it’s a group of disorders that can involve a range of symptoms and impairments related to nerve functions such as movement. Cerebral palsy can range in severity from mild to debilitating, often children with this disorder often require intensive and ongoing care. When cerebral palsy is the result of medical malpractice, parents may choose to consult a lawyer to discuss filing a lawsuit. Compensation from a jury award or settlement can help parents make sure their children receive the lifelong care they need.

Myth: Cerebral Palsy is Not Preventable
It’s true that cerebral palsy is not always preventable. However, sometimes cerebral palsy is the result of medical errors committed by negligent healthcare providers. For example, a healthcare provider may fail to detect a serious maternal health problem, such asgestational diabetes, or a pregnancy-induced hypertensions. Each of these conditions can result in the brain damage that is characteristic of cerebral palsy. This disorder can also result from trauma during labor and delivery. The baby may also become deprived of oxygen, which causes brain damage. The risk of this complication is greater when a healthcare provider fails to notice signs of fetal distress.

Myth: All Children with Cerebral Palsy Have Communication Deficits
Many children with cerebral palsy do have difficulty with communication. However, a speech therapist can help them improve their skills. A speech therapist can show children how to use alternative communication methods, such as sign language, communication boards or cards, and electronic devices.

Myth: Nothing Can be Done to Ease the Financial Burden of Living with Cerebral Palsy
Another common myth about cerebral palsy is that children with serious deficits can never become independent, productive members of society. Children with severe impairments will indeed require lifelong care. Such care is very expensive. A jury award can help ease the financial burden families face when seeking lifelong care for their children.

If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you deserve to know the reasons why. At Pegalis & Erickson, our medical malpractice lawyers in Long Island, New York can thoroughly investigate your case to determine if medical malpractice led to your child’s birth injuries and cerebral palsy diagnosis. For more information, call (516) 684-2900 or visit us on the Web.