Cerebral palsy can occur when something interrupts or damages an infant’s brain development, either while in the womb or shortly after birth. Damage to different parts of the brain cause different symptoms. Several examples of medical malpractice exist that could cause cerebral palsy by depriving the baby’s brain of the chance for healthy, normal development.
Failure to diagnose maternal conditions, such as infections
Failure to monitor fetal vital signs during labor and delivery
Umbilical cord complications
Infant brain hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
Failure to order an emergency cesarean section
Brain injuries from improper use of birthing tools
Failure to treat infant jaundice after birth
Traumatic injury to the baby’s brain shortly after birth
An individual physician could be legally responsible for causing cerebral palsy if he or she failed to fulfill the required standard of patient care. A hospital or birthing center might be liable if the at-fault party was an employee, or if the facility did something to contribute (e.g., failure to train employees). A Columbus birth injury lawyer can help you determine the liable party.