Fortunately, many baby injuries sustained during the birthing process are generally very mild. Bruising and other common injuries that result from the stresses of the birthing process heal quickly and the infant can look forward to a healthy life. There are some injuries, however, that are much more severe and that result in a severely compromised quality of life. These include the various types of cerebral palsy, some of the most frightening of all birth injuries and some of the most expensive medical conditions in the world to treat.
Birth Injuries & CP
Cerebral palsy in infants can take many forms. Unfortunately, this brain injury affects motor skills, and as the child matures, the extent and repercussions of the injury can become more severe and more debilitating. The condition itself doesn’t get worse over time, but the manifestations may become more severe. These include significant difficulties with motor skills. Many cerebral palsy patients have to use a wheelchair or, at least, some sort of mobility assistance device for their entire lives. There are also sometimes problems with hearing that manifest with cerebral palsy. Speech difficulties are common and learning disabilities are seen quite often with this type of injury.
Some types of baby injuries have distinctive effects. Ataxic cerebral palsy, for instance, is known for causing a shaky walk and very poor balance. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy can affect the entire body and muscle tone is usually very uneven. Identifying these injuries can be a real problem directly after the child is born. Because they’re not moving around very much when they’re born, it may be hard to determine if the infant has trouble with their muscles. In many cases, it is revealed when the infant is picked up and their arms or legs feel overly rigid or floppy.
If your child has suffered a birth injury, there is a good chance that you’ll be facing very high medical expenses over the years to come. A lawyer may be able to help you put together a case that could win you financial compensation. There is no way to know for sure whether any case will win or lose, but a lawyer can determine if you have one that’s worth pursuing. If you do, you may stand to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as for your child’s medical expenses, which can be of great assistance.