Charlotte Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

The development of hemiplegic cerebral palsy in children can at times be attributed to medical malpractice. In such circumstances, medical practitioners often fail to properly monitor a woman’s pregnancy, subsequently causing them to fail to recognize medical complications. In doing so, medical practitioners are unable to quickly respond to the complications. Further, as a result of their failure to properly monitor and recognize any complications, medical practitioners may engage in unsafe intervention practices, placing the baby at risk.

You might be entitled to compensation for the injuries your child suffered due to medical malpractice. Dealing with the consequences of a birth injury can be extremely stressful. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys have years of combined experience in handling medical malpractice suits involving birth injuries. By hiring one of our skilled attorney, you can rest easier knowing that you have an accomplished advocate on your side. In cases alleging medical malpractice, time is of the essence. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation.

Hemiplegia is a certain type of cerebral palsy that affects one vertical half of the child's body. When a child has hemiplegia, he or she will usually experience tight muscles in his or her arms, legs, feet, and hands on one side of the body. Typically, if muscle tightness happens on one side of the body, the opposite side of the brain experienced damage. For example, if the child experiences muscle tightness on the right side of the body, then the left side of the brain experienced a brain bleed or some type of damage.

Every child experiences different symptoms of hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Symptoms often include the following:

• Weakness and stiffness in muscles on one side of the body
• Balling a fist, or keeping the hand in a fist on one side
• Difficulty with writing, using scissors, or other fine motor skills
• Only using one hand while eating or during playtime
• Weakness or stiffness in the muscles on one side of the body
• Difficulty with balancing and walking
• Developmental delays, such as delays in rolling over, sitting up, smiling, or crawling

Childhood hemiplegia is relatively common for children. The damage that causes hemiplegic cerebral palsy can take place before, during, or shortly after birth. Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is arguably one of the most severe forms of cerebral palsy. It sometimes involves total paralysis on one vertical side of the body.

When doctors make mistakes before, during, or shortly after the child’s birth, they can cause a loss of oxygen to the child’s brain. Or, they can cause damage to the nerves surrounding the infant’s shoulder that can result in motor delays and complications. For example, if a doctor bumps or drops an infant, or uses forceps or a vacuum negligently, they could cause a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries can cause bleeding, swelling, and elevated bilirubin levels.

In a North Carolina medical malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff needs to prove the following elements by a preponderance of the evidence:

• The doctor or other medical professional was in a physician-patient relationship with your child and owed your child a duty of care
• The doctor breached the duty of care that he or she owed your child, and
• The defendant’s breach of the duty of care was the cause of your child’s hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Parents of children with cerebral palsy understand how expensive medical treatment can be. Even when parents have health insurance, their co-pays are often extremely high. Additionally, health insurance often does not cover all of the treatments your child needs for his or her hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy often need expensive surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and extra aids at home. In some cases, your child will need around-the-clock care and in-home care while you work. Seeking compensation through a Charlotte medical malpractice lawsuit can help you recover the compensation you need to care for your child and his or her cerebral palsy.

North Carolina courts will award successful plaintiffs economic damages as well as non-economic damages. Additionally, they frequently award compensation for the pain and suffering your child has gone through as a result of the cerebral palsy diagnosis.

If you know or suspect that a medical practitioner’s negligence caused your child’s hemiplegic cerebral palsy, we can help. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule a case evaluation. Call our office at (704) 370-2828 to evaluate your options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville, and Monroe.