San Antonio Cerebral Palsy Attorney
Skilled advocacy for children with birth injuries in Texas
Cerebral palsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders affecting body movements and muscle coordination, resulting from damage to the brain. “Cerebral” refers to the brain, and “palsy” refers to disorders of movement or posture. Cerebral palsy, or CP, can cause children with the disorder to have difficulty walking, talking, eating, and playing in comparison to their peers.
Cerebral palsy can be caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain, occurring during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. In some cases, CP is completely preventable and happens due to medical negligence on the part of an obstetrician or other medical professional. Here at the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, we represent families of children who were born with cerebral palsy due to medical malpractice and other errors. Let us work to ensure your child
Fill out our contact form or call our offices today to discuss your case with a cerebral palsy attorney in San Antonio. Your initial consultation is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of cerebral palsy?
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are four main types of CP:
- Spastic cerebral palsy. This is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all cases. People with spastic cerebral palsy have increased muscle tone, tight muscles, and stiff movements.
- Dyskinetic cerebral palsy. This type causes involuntary movements, such as twisting, writhing, or jerking, and can affect the entire body or just one limb. Muscle tone can vary from day to day or even hour to hour.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy. This type is a little less common. People with ataxic cerebral palsy have problems with balance and coordination, and may have difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or controlling their hands and arms.
- Mixed cerebral palsy. Some people with cerebral palsy have a combination of two or more types. For example, someone might have both spastic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy.
What are the signs of cerebral palsy?
The signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common signs of cerebral palsy:
- Delays in reaching developmental milestones (rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking)
- Difficulties with fine motor skills
- Difficulties with speech and communication
- Intellectual disabilities
- Poor coordination and balance
- Abnormal muscle tone (stiffness or floppiness)
- Unusual posture, like holding the head to one side or arching the back
- Tremors or involuntary movements
- Vision or hearing impairment
- Seizures
Note that these signs might not necessarily indicate cerebral palsy, but if you are concerned about your child’s development, speak to your healthcare professional to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis for your child.
How is cerebral palsy caused by medical malpractice?
Cerebral palsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, infections, and damage to the brain during childbirth. In some cases, however, cerebral palsy may be caused by medical malpractice, which is when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient.
Some examples of medical malpractice that can cause a birth injury like cerebral palsy include:
- Failure to diagnose or treat an infection during pregnancy that leads to brain damage in the developing fetus.
- Delayed delivery or failure to perform a timely cesarean section (C-section) when necessary, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
- Improper use of delivery instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, which can cause trauma to the baby's head and brain.
- Administration of excessive medication or anesthesia during delivery, which can depress a baby's respiratory system and lead to brain damage.
If you suspect that your child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, it's important to speak with a San Antonio medical malpractice attorney to determine if you have a case. An experienced lawyer can review your medical records and consult with medical experts to help determine if negligence occurred and the amount of compensation that may be available for your child's injury.
What are the future complications of cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can have a range of complications that may arise as the affected individual grows and develops. Some of the potential future complications of cerebral palsy may include:
- Muscle and joint contractures. This is a common complication of cerebral palsy and occurs when the muscles around a joint tighten and restrict movement.
- Chronic pain. Children and adults with cerebral palsy may experience chronic pain due to the stress placed on their muscles and joints from their abnormal movements and postures.
- Osteoporosis. Reduced mobility and weight-bearing activities can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
- Scoliosis. Abnormal spinal curvature can develop over time due to uneven muscle pull or weakness, leading to breathing difficulties and other health problems.
- Respiratory issues. Individuals with CP can experience difficulty with breathing, coughing, and clearing secretions due to weak respiratory muscles or spinal abnormalities.
- Mental health issues. People with cerebral palsy may experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues related to their condition.
- Communication difficulties. Some people with cerebral palsy may have difficulty with speech or communication, which can lead to social isolation and challenges in school or the workplace.
It's important to note that not all individuals with cerebral palsy will experience these complications, and the severity can vary depending on the type and extent of their condition. Remember, regular medical checkups and early intervention can help minimize potential future complications of the effects of cerebral palsy.
Who is liable for my San Antonio cerebral palsy claim?
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, liability depends on the specific circumstances of your case. However, in general, any healthcare provider or facility who failed to meet accepted standards of care can be held liable for the harm your child has suffered. These parties can include:
- Obstetricians, doctors, and midwives who provided prenatal care and delivery
- Nurses and other medical staff
- Hospitals or medical centers
- Anesthesiologists or other medical professionals who administered medication
- Laboratories responsible for analyzing test samples
Our team will launch an investigation into your prenatal care, labor, and delivery to determine what went wrong and when. We will review medical records, consult with experts, and gather testimony from witnesses.
Do you have a cerebral palsy attorney near me?
The Law Offices of Pat Maloney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
Experienced cerebral palsy lawyer serving San Antonio
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, talk to an attorney at the Law Offices of Pat Maloney today. With 70 years of experience, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case. Get started with us today so we can start investigating your case immediately. Call us in San Antonio or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.