Philadelphia Pennsylvania Cerebral Palsy Attorneys

Cerebral palsy is correctly understood as a constellation of symptoms associated with a damaged cerebrum, cortex, and/or cerebellum. Approximately 1 out of every 500 babies is born with cerebral palsy, according to a 2003 epidemiological study. Although cerebral palsy (CP) is non-progressive -- in other words, it does not get worse over time typically -- symptoms may be difficult to treat, and there is no known cure.

Given the diversity of the CP population (experts classify patients into four very different groups), attributing cause can be difficult. Three-quarters of cases likely develop during pregnancy and gestation. 15% of CP cases develop after birth, 5% develop after age 3, and 5% occur during labor and delivery.

Certain babies are far more likely to develop cerebral palsy than others. Women who suffer infection during pregnancy, for instance, are three times more likely to birth a child with CP. Babies born prematurely account for nearly half of all CP cases. Infants who come down with infections like meningitis, suffer lead poisoning or oxygen deprivation after birth, or endure physical trauma to the head tend to be more likely to develop CP. In addition to environmental factors and maternal health factors, heredity can also play an enormous role in influencing risk for CP.

All potential causes notwithstanding, however, negligent doctors and/or clinicians can also cause or exacerbate CP in infants.

If you have reason to contend that an obstetrician, attending physician, nurse or other medical professional or clinician charged with caring for you during or after pregnancy injured your baby, you may have legal options at your disposal to seek compensation. Here at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP -- Pennsylvania's foremost personal injury lawyers -- we can help you unpack your options and provide a sound strategy to ensure you get fair treatment from doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies. Click through pa-birthinjurylawfirm.com to explore more about our practice, and call 888-845-2703 to set up a free appointment/consultation with our lawyers.