If your child or infant has cerebral palsy, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a good cerebral palsy lawyer Santa Monica, CA cerebral palsy victims and their parents can rely on. Even with the many advances in modern medicine that we have today, birth accidents do occur and they are traumatic for the child, parent, and other family members. Cerebral palsy is sadly one of the birth injuries that Santa Monica and California residents experience too often.

If a loved one is suffering because of cerebral palsy, Cohen Injury Firm may be able to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and/or maintain balance and/or posture. This condition is marked by impaired muscle coordination (spastic paralysis) and/or other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain before or at birth, most commonly occurring during pregnancy or birth but sometimes very young children become afflicted with it. Unfortunately, it is still one of the most common motor disabilities in childhood.

Broken down, cerebral means having to do with the brain and palsy means a weakness or problems with using muscles.

If your child and family are suffering because of cerebral Palsy, a Santa Monica cerebral palsy lawyer who is licensed to help birth injury victims throughout California may be able to help you and your family.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary from individual to individual. Some people’s ability to walk is impaired along with other physical disabilities, such as not being able to unclench their fists or arm.

In addition to physical disabilities that all people with CP suffer from, some have related conditions that include but are not limited to:

– Cognitive/Intellectual disabilities

– Vision impairment

– Auditory impairment

– Speech impairment

– Seizures

– Spine problems such as scoliosis

– Joint problems that can cause distortion or deformity, such as contractures- a condition that 

 causes muscles to be fixed in an abnormal, rigid position 

If a child you love is suffering because of cerebral palsy, depending on the cause, you and your child may be entitled to compensation to help pay for things such as medical bills, therapies, special programs, and the many other expenses that appropriately taking care of a special needs child entails.

When seeking compensation for a birth injury such as cerebral palsy, it is recommended that you consult with a good personal injury lawyer in Santa Monica, CA. Doing this may help you to determine whether or not you have a claim that can be fought using the California legal system.

If you are in the difficult situation of knowing that your child is suffering because of cerebral palsy, contact the compassionate team at Cohen Injury Firm for a free consultation today.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are four main types of cerebral palsy:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy This is the most common type of cerebral palsy and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it afflicts around 80% of people with CP.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy People afflicted with this kind of CP often have trouble controlling their feet, legs, hands, and arms and often have a difficult time sitting and walking. Many different body parts can be affected by this and this determines the kinds of difficulties a patient may have.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy People affected by this kind of CP often have issues with balance, coordination, making quick movements, walking, and/or having a hard time controlling their arms and/or hands.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy When a patient has symptoms associated with more than one type of palsy, it is referred to as mixed cerebral palsy.

If you or someone you care for has cerebral palsy, the sooner you contact a good Santa Monica, CA injury lawyer, the sooner they may be able to start helping you.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

There are still many unknowns about cerebral palsy, including its origins. But one known fact is that a lack of oxygen to the brain of a fetus or an infant can result in cerebral palsy. A common cause of this lack of oxygen is when a baby is not delivered properly. When this is the cause of a baby’s cerebral palsy, it may be because of negligence on behalf of the doctor and/or hospital/birthing facility staff. 

When negligence causes a birth injury such as cerebral palsy, the parents may be able to hold those who were negligent, accountable for the damage they caused. If you are a Santa Monica parent that is struggling with the fact that your child has cerebral palsy and how you are going to care for your child now and in the long term, it may be in your best interest to reach out to a good personal injury lawyer who is licensed to help CA birth injury victims and their families.

Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure for cerebral palsy. A good thing though is that advances against this condition are being made available, all the time. Currently, there is a wide range of treatments and things available to help an individual who is afflicted with cerebral palsy. Because good treatment for cerebral palsy can be expensive, it is important to discuss your situation with a good Santa Monica, CA personal injury lawyer who may be able to fight for your child’s rights to the best care possible.

Other possible causes of cerebral palsy in babies and toddlers include but are not limited to:

– Exposure to lead and lead poisoning

– Malnutrition

– Bacterial Meningitis

– Improper restraints when involved in a car accident 

– Brain damage caused by shaking

If someone you love has cerebral palsy that is the result of someone else’s negligence, a good Santa Monica, CA personal injury lawyer who is experienced with successfully defending the rights of families in your situation, may be able to help.

For a highly rated cerebral palsy lawyer located in Santa Monica, CA, contact Cohen Injury Firm for a free case evaluation, 24/7 hours a day, 365 days a year.