Watching your newborn child struggle is heartbreaking, especially if you suspect a birth injury like cerebral palsy or HIE may have been caused by medical negligence. As you face uncertainties about what the future holds for your child, questions about the best care, treatment options, and long-term outcomes naturally arise.
In these challenging times, Indiana birth injury attorney Laura Brown offers compassionate and dedicated legal assistance to help families in Indianapolis and across the state navigate the complex landscape of medical malpractice. With her expertise, Laura can evaluate your case, address your concerns, and guide you through the legal steps necessary to secure the support and compensation your child deserves for a better future.
Learn more about how Brown Trial Firm can help your family get the justice and compensation you deserve by scheduling a free consultation.
What happens if a baby is deprived of oxygen during labor?
If a baby is deprived of oxygen during labor and delivery, it can lead to immediate and long-term health issues.
Initially, the baby may experience fetal distress, which is evident from abnormal heart rates, and might require resuscitation right after birth to stabilize breathing and heart function. In severe cases, oxygen deprivation can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
In some cases, such an event can lead to a condition called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain damage that occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen or blood flow.
Depending on the location and severity of the brain damage, HIE can result in neurologic disorders, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy (CP), a condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture.
Both HIE and CP are serious conditions that can significantly affect a child’s development and quality of life, often necessitating a range of therapeutic interventions and long-term care.
Can the brain recover from a hypoxic brain injury?
It depends. Brain injuries can result in serious and permanent injury, but proper treatment can help minimize the damage and manage symptoms.
Is HIE and cerebral palsy the same thing?
No, HIE and cerebral palsy are not the same thing. HIE is a condition that occurs when an infant’s brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood flow, typically during birth. It’s a type of brain injury that can lead to various neurological outcomes, like cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy, on the other hand, is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It can be caused by brain damage before, during, or after birth, with HIE being one of the potential causes.
So, while HIE can lead to cerebral palsy, they are not the same thing.
How does cerebral palsy affect someone’s everyday life?
Cerebral palsy can significantly impact an individual’s everyday life, presenting various challenges from infancy through adulthood. Each person’s experience with cerebral palsy is unique, and the severity and type of challenges can vary widely, but below are some common challenges.
In infants and children:
- Mobility issues. Infants might struggle with developmental milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking. Some children may require assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs.
- Fine motor skills. Challenges with fine motor skills can make tasks like writing or using utensils difficult, affecting academic progress and daily activities.
- Feeding difficulties. CP causes issues with chewing and swallowing in some children, which can make it more difficult for them to get adequate nutrition.
- Speech and communication difficulties. Many children with CP have difficulty speaking clearly, which can impact their ability to communicate effectively with others.
In adults:
- Employment challenges. Adults with cerebral palsy may face barriers to employment stemming from physical limitations or misconceptions about their abilities.
- Social interaction. Navigating social interactions can be challenging due to physical or communicative limitations, sometimes leading to social isolation.
- Health issues. Adults with cerebral palsy may experience ongoing health problems, such as joint issues, pain, and fatigue, which can complicate daily living and require ongoing medical care.
Throughout all stages of life, individuals with cerebral palsy may need various forms of support, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and personalized educational support.
It’s important to approach the challenges of cerebral palsy with compassion and understanding, recognizing the strengths and potential of each individual. With the right support, many people with cerebral palsy lead fulfilling lives, contributing uniquely to their communities despite the challenges they face.
Does Cerebral Palsy Shorten a Person’s Life Span? Is CP Fatal?
Learn about factors that can affect prognosis and life expectancy and what to expect after a CP diagnosis.
Does cerebral palsy get worse with age?
No, fortunately, cerebral palsy itself does not get worse with age, as it is a non-progressive condition, meaning the brain injury that causes cerebral palsy does not change over time.
However, the effects of the disorder, such as muscle tightness and joint problems, can increase or lead to additional complications as the person ages. Managing these symptoms effectively with ongoing therapy and medical care is crucial to maintaining mobility and quality of life.
Who is responsible for cerebral palsy and HIE?
While conditions like cerebral palsy and HIE are not always considered medical malpractice, if a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional fails to adhere to the established standards of medical care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery and that failure leads to a child’s birth injury, their actions could be considered negligent.
So, what are some warning signs of potential medical mistakes that could lead to a birth injury?
Certain situations during pregnancy, labor, and delivery might raise questions about the standard of care provided. These can include:
- Difficult delivery with forceps or vacuum extraction. While sometimes necessary, these instruments can increase the risk of injury if not used appropriately.
- Failure to monitor fetal distress. Electronic fetal monitoring is crucial for identifying potential oxygen deprivation during labor. Failure to monitor or respond to signs of distress could point to malpractice.
- Delayed C-section. In certain situations, a timely C-section can prevent oxygen deprivation in the baby, thereby reducing the risk of HIE and CP.
- Untreated maternal infections. Infections like meningitis or sepsis can impact blood flow and oxygen to the baby, increasing the likelihood of brain damage and CP.
- Umbilical cord complications. These can include knots, prolapse (cord slipping into the birth canal), or nuchal cords (where the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck), all of which could lead to low oxygen levels during birth.
- Placental problems. Issues with the placenta, such as placental abruption (where the placenta detaches from the womb’s wall before delivery) or placental insufficiency (where the placenta doesn’t provide enough oxygen and nutrients to the baby), can significantly reduce the oxygen supply to the baby’s brain, leading to CP.
- Jaundice and kernicterus. Severe untreated jaundice can cause kernicterus, a type of brain damage that can lead to cerebral palsy.
While these issues do not necessarily indicate medical negligence, it’s important to discuss the details of your child’s case with an experienced birth injury attorney if you suspect that a medical error might have contributed to your child’s HIE or CP.
An attorney can review your child’s medical records, consult with medical experts, and investigate the circumstances surrounding your pregnancy, labor, and delivery to help determine if there’s evidence to suggest a medical professional deviated from the accepted standard of care, potentially causing your child’s condition.
What resources are available for children with cerebral palsy in Indiana?
In cities like Indianapolis and elsewhere throughout Indiana, there are a number of resources available to support individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. These resources offer a range of services, from financial assistance and health care to therapy and educational support:
Easterseals Crossroads in Indianapolis offers various services tailored to children and adults with disabilities, including cerebral palsy. Services include early intervention, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
- Address: 4740 Kingsway Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46205
- Phone: (317) 466-1000
Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, located in Indianapolis, provides comprehensive pediatric care, including specialized services for children with cerebral palsy. The hospital offers multidisciplinary treatment options, including neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation services.
- Address: Multiple locations throughout Indiana
- Phone: (317) 944-5000
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)
The FSSA offers programs like the Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS), which provides supplemental medical coverage for families of children with serious, chronic medical conditions, including cerebral palsy.
Get help from a knowledgeable Indiana cerebral palsy attorney
Please know that if you suspect a mistake during your pregnancy, labor, or delivery led to your child’s cerebral palsy, HIE, or other birth injury, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. A consultation with a birth injury attorney can provide clarity and empower you to make informed decisions about your child’s future care and potential legal options.
At Brown Trial Firm, Indiana birth injury attorney Laura Brown is dedicated to supporting families like yours. She understands the complexities involved in these cases and is committed to helping you navigate the legal system to seek justice and compensation for your child.
Contact her office today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the future your child deserves.
