New York Cerebral Palsy

During pregnancy or childbirth, unfortunate complications may develop. The New York Cerebral Palsy Injury Attorney team at Stephen Bilkis and Associates, PLLC has discovered complications, such as shoulder dystocia, breech birth or prolapsed umbilical cord, can create lasting detrimental consequences. Each of these complications can prolong the time the infant is in the birth canal, which can cause fetal distress and hinder the delivery of oxygen to the infant. As a result, the baby may suffer from an anoxic brain injury. Our New York Cerebral Palsy Injury Lawyer staff has learned that this type of brain injury often results in the development of cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of the brain which affects motor function, sensation, depth perception, communication, cognition and leads to physical disability. According to recent statistics, there are currently 764,000 children and adults in the US with this disorder. Sadly, 10,000 babies develop this condition annually.

Cerebral palsy typically results from brain damage due to a lack of oxygen or from a trauma during pregnancy or childbirth. This injury at birth is usually a consequence of hypoxia, asphyxia, a physical trauma, or a premature delivery. Other commonly seen causes include:

• Failure to monitor fetal heart rate
• Failure to perform a C-section in a timely manner
• Failure to diagnose a prolapsed umbilical cord
• Medical negligence using forceps or vacuum for delivery
• Failure to properly treat infection

There are three types of cerebral palsy which include:

Athetoid: This type accounts of 10% for all cerebral palsy cases. It is characterized by involuntary movement, inability to maintain posture, lack of muscle tone, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing.

Spastic: This type includes approximately 80% of all cases. The symptoms of this type include tightness in particular muscle groups, difficulty moving, inability to grasp and hold on to objects.

Ataxic: Approximately 10% of cases involve this type. It is characterized by lack of balance, inability to coordinate muscle movement, tremors and distorted depth perception.According to the research of the New York Birth Injury Lawyer team at Stephen Bilkis and Associates, PLLC, the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy generally include:

• Abnormal muscle tone
• Abnormal reflexes
• Muscle spasms
• Involuntary movements
• Balance problems
• Unsteady gait
• Scissor walking
• Toe walking

In many instances, cerebral palsy creates secondary conditions, such as epilepsy, seizures, communication disorders, learning disabilities, mental retardation, sensory impairments, eating problems and behavioral disorders. Our New York Cerebral Palsy Lawyer staff has learned cerebral palsy is not progressive condition. The associated brain damage does not worsen or improve, but the symptoms may increase over time. Many Cerebral Palsy injuries are caused by a failure to diagnose or a doctor error when the Ob/Gyn did not anticipate complications. If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, the New York Injury Lawyer group at Stephen Bilkis and Associates, PLLC can investigate your claim, prove liability and fight for the monetary compensation you deserve.

Unfortunately, many of these injuries could have been prevented. In New York and across the country, victims of medical malpractice are filing claims to be compensated for their devastating injuries.

The Daily News recently reported that a plaintiff in Suffolk County, NY was awarded $130 million dollars for injuries her child sustained during birth, leaving him with cerebral palsy.

In upstate New York, a case was settled for $8.5 million where the newborn infant ended up with severe kernicterus and cerebral palsy.

Parents of a 7 year old child in New York were awarded $6.75 million from health care providers when their child contracted cerebral palsy.

In most cases, a victim of cerebral palsy cannot lead a normal life or provide for their self. Oftentimes, they require a lifetime of care and can amass tremendous medical expenses. If your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, you may be eligible to pursue a medical malpractice claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering. In New York, these laws are governed by NY CPLR 1411. Our New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer team will successfully litigate your claim and fight for your rights to compensation.

If your child is suffering from a Cerebral Palsy Injury, contact our New York Birth Injury Lawyer at Stephen Bilkis and Associates, PLLC. It is important to take prompt action, as there are strict time lines that must be followed in filing a claim (New York Practice Law and Rules 214-a). Please call us at 800.696.9529 FREE, online or contact one of our New York City offices in Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx or Brooklyn, our New York office in Westchester County or one of our Long Island offices in Nassau County or Suffolk County.