Congenital cerebral palsy can be the result of birth injuries

At the time of childbirth, the mother and infant are both very vulnerable. It’s up to doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to use their training and expertise to provide the best care possible. Any lapse in care or mistake can have devastating and permanent consequences. Unfortunately, birth injuries affect thousands of families every year in Delaware and across the United States. Any trauma to the brain of a newborn during birth can lead to a permanent disability known as cerebral palsy. 

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that interferes with normal muscle function and coordination. CP is the most common physical disability in children, affecting nearly 10,000 babies every year in the United States. CP that happens before a newborn is 28 days old is classified as congenital cerebral palsy and represents the vast majority of cerebral palsy cases. 

Tragically, an injury to the brain during childbirth is one of the main causes of congenital cerebral palsy. A few examples of birth injuries that can lead to CP are oxygen deprivation, prolonged labor or any trauma to the head. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for cerebral palsy.

It goes without saying that newborn babies are incredibly fragile and must be handled with extreme care. When cerebral palsy or any other birth injuries are the result of medical professionals’ mistakes or negligence, families in Delaware can take action by speaking with a seasoned and knowledgeable attorney. By filing a lawsuit, families may obtain rightful and much-needed compensation for their pain and suffering, as well as a sense of justice.