Can cerebral palsy be caused by nursing or medical mistakes?

By Rasansky McKenzie

Yes. In many cases, cerebral palsy (CP) can result from preventable medical errors made by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers. While some causes of CP are unavoidable, others should be anticipated, detected, and corrected with proper prenatal care and careful monitoring during labor and delivery.

Examples of Medical or Nursing Mistakes Linked to Cerebral Palsy

• Failure to recognize and respond to fetal distress (abnormal heart rate patterns)
• Delays in performing a necessary C-section
• Improper use of delivery instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extractors
• Failure to treat maternal infections that could affect brain development
• Medication errors, such as excessive Pitocin use during labor
• Poor monitoring of oxygen levels inthe  mother or the baby

Although some cases of cerebral palsy are unavoidable, many are the result of negligence or oversight. When medical staff fail to act appropriately, the baby may suffer brain injury that leads to cerebral palsy.

Next steps: If you suspect your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by a medical mistake, it’s important to seek both medical evaluation and legal advice. The Dallas birth injury lawyers at Rasansky | McKenzie Law have extensive experience in these cases and offer free consultations. Call us today at (214) 367-6793.

About the Author

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