The Causes of Cerebral Palsy

The underlying cause of cerebral palsy is damage to the brain or the abnormal development of the brain. In some cases, a baby’s brain may sustain damage because of birth injuries, which might be the result of medical malpractice. Birth complications such as uterine rupture, umbilical cord problems, and the detachment of the placenta can increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

It’s also possible that a doctor will fail to diagnose serious conditions, and fail to treat them properly or quickly enough. For example, jaundice of the newborn or infections during pregnancy can result in brain damage if not treated. Less commonly, cerebral palsy may be acquired after 28 days of life. Acquired cerebral palsy may be caused by brain infections like meningitis or by brain injuries.

Was your child diagnosed with cerebral palsy because of medical malpractice? Call Pegalis & Erickson, LLC at (516) 684-2900 to speak with a birth injury lawyer on Long Island, New York.