Comprehensive Cerebral Palsy Legal Support in Hawaii
Understanding Birth-Related Cerebral Palsy in Hawaii
A single, definite cause has yet to be identified for cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects voluntary muscle control, muscle tone, and movement. Medical professionals agree, however, that cerebral palsy may be caused by brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, physical trauma, or abnormal brain development in the womb. If cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage linked to childbirth, you should consider whether an error or mistake was made during labor or delivery.
Davis Levin Livingston takes on birth injury claims for clients in Honolulu and throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and they have been fighting for injured children for over 40 years. During this time, their Hawaii cerebral palsy lawyers have helped families secure the financial compensation they need to pay for the medical treatment and other costs associated with the treatment of serious birth injuries caused by medical malpractice.
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe malpractice may be to blame, call (808) 740-0633 for a free consultation with Davis Levin Livingston.
Exploring the Definition and Impact of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy refers to a number of different neurological disorders arising from damage to the area of the brain that controls body movement and muscle coordination. In addition, those who suffer from the disorder have trouble with their posture and balance. There are varying degrees of the disorder. Some people are hardly affected at all and others are debilitated to a degree that requires them to have life-long care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability and affects one in every 323 children. Unfortunately, there is no known cure. Some causes of cerebral palsy are not known. There is speculation that it could be caused by abnormal brain development during gestation due to a genetic defect for which there is no prevention. Another cause may be a maternal infection that affected the normal development of the brain. One known cause is a traumatic birth injury, which is almost 100 percent preventable.
Identifying Potential Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Although not all cases of cerebral palsy are due to birth injuries, many are caused by medical malpractice that occurred during labor and delivery or shortly before birth that result in a perfectly normal fetus being injured to a degree that the baby is born with cerebral palsy.
As already mentioned, cerebral palsy may be caused by damage to the brain. During childbirth, cerebral palsy may be linked to malpractice in situations involving:
- Delays in recommending or performing a C-section, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain
- Improper treatment of a brain injury sustained during or after birth (head cooling or other methods may be used to slow brain damage)
- Failure to properly monitor the fetal heart rate and failure to note when the fetus is in distress, resulting in oxygen deprivation
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractor, causing head trauma and brain damage
- Improper use of Pitocin, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain
- Mismanagement of shoulder dystocia, causing a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain
- Mismanagement of prolonged labor or a difficult delivery, leading to birth asphyxia
- Failure to diagnose and treat severe jaundice, leading to brain damage
- RH incompatibility factor between the mother and the baby
- Premature birth
Recognizing Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
There are different types of cerebral palsy, but some symptoms all have in common include:
- Lack of muscle tone and spastic movements
- Abnormal reflexes
- Lack of motor control
- Speech problems
- Developmental delays
When cerebral palsy is due to a birth injury, there may be other types of neurological damage resulting in problems with speech, hearing, and sight. The affected baby may even suffer from bladder control and epilepsy. As the child develops, psychological disorders may become apparent. The only good news is that it is not a progressive disorder so it will not get worse.
Options for Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Care
There is currently no known cure, but studies are ongoing in search of one. Depending on the severity and what muscles are involved, surgical intervention along with physical and occupational therapy may help. There are various medications that may alleviate symptoms.
Seek Guidance from a Trusted Hawaii Cerebral Palsy Attorney
Although it may seem straightforward to parents of a child with cerebral palsy, proving the cause of the disorder is due to medical malpractice is complicated and difficult to prove. A birth injury lawyer from Davis Levin Livingston can meet with you and review all the facts of your case. The attorney will gather evidence and have a professional review the medical records. Medical experts may be consulted to determine if the disorder was preventable and caused by medical malpractice. If you have a valid claim, you may be able to collect damages including all medical costs for your child for the child’s entire life. There may be other compensation available to you depending on the nature of your case.
Trying to link malpractice to cerebral palsy is no easy task, but the Hawaii cerebral palsy attorneys at Davis Levin Livingston have the resources and the know-how to effectively handle these complicated cases. They have over 40 years of legal experience and a medical director and nurse on staff to appropriately address the legal and medical aspects of your cerebral palsy claim.
Time is an important factor; the law requires you to file your compensation claim within a certain period of time after you discover the injury. Consult our attorneys as soon as possible and do not take the risk that you will be shut out of the courthouse because you filed your claim too late.
Contact Honolulu's Cerebral Palsy Legal Advocates Today(808) 740-0633 for a free, confidential consultation.
Four Decades of Record Breaking Victories
-
$15,000,000 Vacuum/Forceps Injury
The hospital improperly attempted to deliver a post-date baby using a traumatic second-stage vacuum extraction. This extraction and the delay in delivery resulted in permanent brain damage to the baby.
-
$9,975,000 Brain Injury
The hospital's failure to monitor an infant's rising bilirubin levels led to bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, resulting in severe and permanent brain damage. A settlement of $9,975,000 was obtained.
Why Davis Levin Livingston?
Dedicated Legal Counsel You Can Count On
Helping Families throughout hawaii for over 40 years
-
"Professional, KIND, and understanding"
They are most professional, KIND, and understanding. Thank you Matt Winter for all your help.- Clare T. -
"We wouldn't have chosen any other team!"
Mathew Winter and the whole staff of Davis Levin Livingston guided us every step of the way and made sure we understood everything that was going on. They were always so welcoming and compassionate. Communication was never a problem and emails were answered super fast, especially when we had so many questions. They- Maariel -
"The absolute best firm in Hawaii. Compassion and professionalism at its best!"
Truly a wonderful experience with everyone at the firm. I can't thank you enough for helping provide closure for my family and me during this process. The absolute best firm in Hawaii. Compassion and professionalism at its best!- Daniel -
"After doing extensive research I knew that Davis Levin Livingston was the firm for me due to the success they have had in cases like mine."
After doing extensive research I knew that Davis Levin Livingston was the firm for me due to the success they have had in cases like mine. What surprised me was their personal touch. In the 3- Anthony
Did you know?
you are not alone in this.
-
7 OUT OF 1,000 NEWBORNS ARE DIAGNOSED WITH A BIRTH INJURY.
-
IN A YEAR, 157,000 MOTHERS AND CHILDREN SUFFERED POTENTIALLY PREVENTABLE INJURIES.
-
THE LIFETIME COSTS OF BIRTH INJURIES CAN REACH TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
-
ON AVERAGE 28,000 BABIES ARE BORN WITH A BIRTH INJURY EVERY YEAR.