Cerebral Palsy as a Birth Injury

Cerebral palsy is a type of birth injury which is often used as general term that encompasses a wide variety of consequences. How a child will be affected from this injury will depend on what part of the brain was affected. The word "cerebral" is derived from "cerebrum," which means "brain" in Latin. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and the surface of the brain, called the cerebral cortex, is composed of lobes. These lobes carry on important functions for the individual, such as handling vision, motor skills, sensory data, thought, and action.

In cerebral palsy, the brain's functionality is compromised which causes an impairment of the child's ability to develop normal motor skills. The word "palsy" refers to a movement or motion disorder. Children born with cerebral palsy may have problems not only with motor skills but may also be impaired in their ability to think, speak, perceive, or may have other behavioral and learning problems. Physical manifestations of this type of birth injury can include problems with balance, spastic and jerky movements, involuntary movements, uneven gait, and lack of proper muscle tone. Those born with a minor case of cerebral palsy may enjoy normal lives while those born with the most severe damage may need a lifetime of medical care and personal assistance.

Legal Representation for New Hampshire Birth Injury Victims

Cerebral palsy may be caused by negligence on the part of medical practitioners during childbirth. Should the brain lack oxygen for any extended period, brain damage can occur which may result in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. When such a tragic event occurs, parents of newborns who have sustained a preventable birth injury may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Mulvey, Cornell & Mulvey, a law firm dedicated to representing malpractice victims throughout the state of New Hampshire, offers competent and compassionate legal service. The firm has been practicing in this field for 30 years and is zealous about protecting your legal right to compensation in cases where negligence or error has occurred. Contact the firm today if you believe you have been harmed by medical negligence to get a case review from an experienced and accomplished attorney.