Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that affects a person’s movement, muscles, and posture. Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy is a form of dyskinetic cerebral palsy that, in many cases, is caused by abnormal prenatal brain development. But in some cases, it can be caused by an injury to the baby during birth.
Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy is one of several types of movement disorders that can be caused by a brain injury. Caring for a child with cerebral palsy may involve many years, if not a lifetime, of physical therapy, medical interventions, and other specialized and costly care.
If you believe your child’s choreoathetoid cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. At Kuhlman Law, our team of experienced Minneapolis choreoathetoid cerebral palsy attorneys can handle your birth injury case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your child’s care so they can live the best life possible.
What is Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy?
Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy is a type of CP that causes uncontrollable movement, primarily in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Individuals with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy can fluctuate between hypertonia and hypotonia, or muscle tone that changes from too tight to too loose from day to day or even throughout the day.
Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy involves two separate components of CP, which can occur either separately or simultaneously:
- Athetosis can result in involuntary sluggish, twisting movements, mainly in the fingers and face. It can cause random changes in muscle control, an inability to walk, stand, talk, or eat, and muscle overflow when attempts are made to move.
- Chorea can result in involuntary irregular, jerky, or rhythmic muscle movement, especially in the fingers and toes, and sudden muscle contractions that can begin and end abruptly.
The type of CP depends on what part of the brain is damaged. Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy is caused by damage done to the cerebellum and/or basal ganglia sections of the brain.
How Can Medical Negligence Result in Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy?
While many cases of cerebral palsy are unavoidable and due to developmental complications or genetic predisposition, others directly result from medical negligence that occurred before, during, or after birth. These can include:
- Injury causing a restriction of oxygen to the brain (hypoxia)
- Failure to monitor contractions properly
- Failure to monitor mother and baby properly during labor and delivery
- Failure to detect and treat infection
- Failure to detect fetal distress
- Failure to perform a necessary C-section
- Failure to detect bilirubin buildup in the infant’s blood
- Improper use of forceps or other extraction tools during delivery
- Failure to identify umbilical cord rupture
- Failure to diagnose preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Improper use of Pitocin or other drugs or medications during labor or delivery
- Mishandling the infant after birth
What Can You Do if You Suspect Your Baby’s Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Was the Result of Medical Negligence?
Unfortunately, medical mistakes and negligence cause many cases of birth injuries each year. Doctors, medical staff, and hospitals are responsible for providing safe and trained care before, during, and after delivery. When they have failed to meet the appropriate standard of care, they can be held legally liable for any injuries that result.
If you suspect your child’s choreoathetoid cerebral palsy was the result of medical negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your doctor, the attending medical staff, and even the hospital. Let the Minneapolis choreoathetoid cerebral palsy attorneys at Kuhlman Law handle your birth injury case.
The Care of Your Child After Diagnosis
While there is no cure for choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, there are medical interventions and therapies that can help your child’s symptoms improve. But the cost of these interventions and treatments can be financially overwhelming to a family.
Through a medical malpractice lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past or future medical treatment and procedures
- Medical and physical therapy expenses, both past and future
- Prescription costs
- Future surgery
- Specialized medical equipment
- Adaptive technologies
- Nursing care
And other costs associated with the care and treatment of your child. This compensation will allow you to get the care your child needs to improve.
Understand Your Legal Rights
If you believe your child’s choreoathetoid cerebral palsy may have been the result of medical negligence, you should understand your legal options. At Kuhlman Law, our experienced Minneapolis choreoathetoid cerebral palsy attorneys understand what you are going through and what you will need for your child’s future. Call us at (503) 479-3646 or schedule a no-cost consultation through our online contact form.
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