Cerebral Palsy Attorneys In Phoenix
Cerebral palsy is a brain injury that is caused by lack of oxygen to the fetus. It is a serious birth injury that affects different children in different ways. When a birth injury is caused by a physician’s negligence, parents are often wondering how such a mistake ever occurred.
Harris, Powers & Cunningham PLLC has been handling birth injury claims since 1981. We have won tens of millions of dollars in courtroom verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We continue to succeed, securing the compensation a child with cerebral palsy will require to live as full a life as possible. If your baby sustained a brain injury resulting in cerebral palsy, talk to one of our Phoenix cerebral palsy attorneys today. We offer free consultations. Call 602-910-6779 to arrange your free consultation or contact us online.
Cerebral Palsy And Cerebral Hypoxia
Cerebral hypoxia is a medical condition where the brain is deprived of oxygen. When it happens during pregnancy or during labor and delivery, it can result in mild to severe brain damage, including cerebral palsy. Hypoxia is preventable by proper monitoring of the fetus, recognition of fetal distress and timely performance of a cesarean section. Failure to perform a timely cesarean section can result in oxygen deprivation and cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy affects each child differently. Some parents may notice problems immediately at birth, and other affects can take a few years to surface. Children with cerebral palsy experience difficulties controlling and coordinating their muscles. Babies may have developmental delays, and the injury can severely limit the child’s quality of life and future opportunities.
Our attorneys understand the concerns of parents who are dealing with a cerebral palsy birth injury. We provide attentive, resourceful and effective advocacy. Turn to us for help and feel confident in our abilities and our desire to help your child.
Medical Treatment For Children With Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy may require ongoing medical treatment to manage symptoms and improve mobility. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how it affects movement, muscle tone and posture. Treatment plans are tailored to each child’s needs and may include different major categories:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps improve muscle strength, coordination and flexibility. It focuses on exercises that enhance motor skills, balance and mobility. Occupational therapy teaches children how to perform daily tasks, such as dressing and eating, by improving fine motor skills and adaptive techniques. Speech therapy assists children who have difficulty speaking or swallowing, helping them communicate more effectively.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as muscle relaxants and anti-seizure drugs, may be prescribed to reduce muscle stiffness or prevent spasms. Surgical procedures may sometimes be necessary to correct bone or muscle abnormalities that limit movement. For example, orthopedic surgery can help lengthen muscles or tendons, improving mobility and reducing pain.
- Assistive devices: Many children with cerebral palsy benefit from assistive devices like braces, wheelchairs and walkers. These devices provide support and improve mobility. In some cases, communication devices, such as speech-generating tools, help children who struggle with verbal communication express themselves more clearly.
Working with different medical professionals to create a coordinated care approach can help ensure that children receive the necessary support to enhance their quality of life.
Raising A Child With Cerebral Palsy
Parents raising children with cerebral palsy face unique challenges that require careful planning and support. Creating a consistent daily routine helps children feel secure while managing therapy appointments, medication schedules and school activities.
Working closely with your child’s health care team can ensure proper monitoring of growth, nutrition and development. Regular check-ups help identify and address medical issues early. Families should maintain detailed records of medical visits, treatments and progress, as this documentation proves valuable for both medical care and legal proceedings.
As children grow, the focus shifts to building independence and life skills. This includes working with school systems to develop appropriate educational plans and exploring vocational training options. Many families need to make home modifications for accessibility and safety, such as installing grab bars or adding ramps. Transportation often requires special arrangements or vehicle modifications.
Parents must also plan for their child’s future medical and financial needs, including understanding insurance coverage and government benefits.
Contact A Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
We understand that if your baby sustained a brain injury at birth, you have many questions and concerns. Call an experienced cerebral palsy attorney at 602-910-6779 today to arrange your free consultation or contact us online.