There is no greater tragedy for a parent than having one’s child suffer a significant debilitating injury. If this serious injury occurs at birth, it can mean a lifetime of physical, financial and emotional obstacles for the child and enormous medical and long-term care costs for the parents of the child. If a child suffers a serious mentally or physically debilitating birth injury, the immediate concern of parents is typically for the medical and rehabilitative needs of their child. However, an injury suffered in birth can result in a lifetime of astronomical medical expenses because lifetime supportive care may be necessary. The estimated average cost of medical expenses and supportive care for a child with cerebral palsy over the child’s lifetime exceeds $3,000,000.
At the Mississippi cerebral palsy law firm of Barrett Law, we understand the tragic consequences when a child suffers a serous birth injury like cerebral palsy. We are committed to seeking the substantial recovery necessary for families to care for a child with cerebral palsy and to provide for the highest standard of living and greatest independence for a cerebral palsy victim. Our experienced Mississippi medical malpractice birth injury team works closely with medical experts to provide a thorough analysis and explanation of medical errors and their relationship to long-term serious injuries like cerebral palsy
It is estimated that there are currently in excess of 800,000 people afflicted with cerebral palsy in the United States. Another 10,000 babies per year are born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is often caused by damage to the cerebrum area of the brain. The cerebrum controls higher level mental functioning, sensation and motor skills. Damage suffered to the cerebrum may cause impairment of the brain’s control of posture and movement and can also impact nerve functioning throughout the body. Approximately 66 percent of babies born with cerebral palsy will suffer diminished mental functioning.
A common cause of cerebral palsy is trauma or injury to the brain that may occur during child birth or immediately before or after child birth. While medical negligence is not the exclusive cause of this debilitating condition, many times it is caused by negligence by a health care provider or hospital. A common situation that causes cerebral palsy involves disruption of oxygen to the brain, which is called “hypoxia,” and is sometimes caused by the umbilical cord becoming wrapped around the baby’ s neck. Cerebral palsy may also be caused by the baby suffering head trauma during the delivery process. An expectant mother also should carefully read all drug labeling and consult her physician because some drugs can also cause cerebral palsy. Other causes that have been linked to the development of cerebral palsy include jaundice and infection during pregnancy. Approximately, fifty percent of all cerebral palsy cases are caused by medical malpractice.
Many cerebral palsy victims require medical devices for mobility including wheel chairs or braces to assist with walking. Approximately seventy percent of those afflicted with cerebral palsy suffer some form of disability often including impairment of mental functions. The emotional and financial challenges that confront a child born with cerebral palsy caused by medical malpractice can be overwhelming. Tragically, birth injuries like cerebral palsy are often the result of preventable medical errors committed by physicians and other medical professionals.
Our tenacious Mississippi cerebral palsy attorneys offer effective medical malpractice representation to those who suffer serious birth injuries throughout Mississippi. Given the enormous damages that are common when a child suffers a birth injury like cerebral palsy, medical malpractice carriers vigorously defend these cases. Our experienced cerebral palsy lawyers carefully investigate the medical evidence, including medical records to develop the strongest position for negotiation and litigation of your Mississippi cerebral palsy medical malpractice claim.
If your child suffers a serious birth injury like cerebral palsy, you and your child may be entitled to the compensation necessary to provide your child with the highest quality of life despite your child’s injuries. At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.
