Hilo Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

Let Our Firm Help You & Your Newborn Child

If you or a loved one has been affected by cerebral palsy due to medical malpractice, you need an experienced and compassionate advocate by your side. At Davis Levin Livingston, our Hilo cerebral palsy attorneys are committed to helping families navigate the complexities of medical malpractice cases, ensuring they receive the award or settlement they deserve.

Call (808) 740-0633 or fill out our online contact form today to request a free consultation with our team.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage that occurs to the developing brain, often before birth. The severity of cerebral palsy can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms and others facing significant physical and cognitive challenges.

There are four main types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: This is the most common form, characterized by stiff muscles and awkward movements.
• Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: This form involves uncontrollable movements.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: This form affects balance and depth perception.
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy: This is a combination of two or more types of cerebral palsy.

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy from Medical Malpractice

In many cases, cerebral palsy is the result of unavoidable circumstances. However, some cases are caused by medical malpractice, which can include:

• Failure to Diagnose or Treat Infections: Infections in the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella or herpes, can lead to brain damage in the developing fetus if not properly diagnosed and treated.
• Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can cause physical trauma to the baby’s head, leading to brain damage.
• Delayed Cesarean Section: If a cesarean section is delayed when medically necessary, it can result in oxygen deprivation, increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
• Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Inadequate monitoring of the baby’s heart rate during labor can lead to a lack of oxygen, causing brain injury.

Long-Term Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition with various long-term effects that can impact the individual and their family. These effects can include:

• Physical Limitations: Many individuals with cerebral palsy experience difficulty with mobility, coordination, and muscle control, often requiring assistive devices such as wheelchairs or braces.
• Cognitive Impairments: Some individuals may have intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, or developmental delays.
• Speech and Communication Issues: Difficulty with speech and communication is common, and many individuals benefit from speech therapy.
• Chronic Pain: Muscle stiffness and joint issues can lead to chronic pain.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: The challenges associated with cerebral palsy can lead to emotional and psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety, for both the individual and their family.

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments may include:

• Physical Therapy: Aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and mobility, physical therapy is often a cornerstone of treatment for individuals with cerebral palsy.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps individuals develop skills for daily living and independence.
• Speech Therapy: Assists with communication skills and can include the use of communication devices.
• Medications: Muscle relaxants or anti-seizure medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
• Surgical Interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct bone or muscle abnormalities.

Why Choose Us?

• Experience and Expertise: With years of experience handling complex medical malpractice cases, our attorneys have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively represent your case.
• Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique, and we provide personalized attention to ensure your specific needs are met.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We are committed to providing compassionate and empathetic legal support, helping you and your family through this difficult time.
• Proven Track Record: Our firm has a proven track record of successfully securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.

Contact us today at (808) 740-0633 to let our firm help your family.