How Common is Cerebral Palsy Birth Trauma?

cerebral palsy birth traumaThe answer to that question might surprise some a bit. Cerebral palsy birth trauma is one of the most common conditions we see working as medical malpractice and birth injury lawyers. In fact, in terms of childhood disorders, cerebral palsy birth trauma is the most common motor disability.

As parents, you spend the better part of your life wondering, planning, and trying to prevent any sort of mishaps or incidents that could result in harm to your child. Often times, the things that are most common and potentially harmful though stem from things you have very little — if any — control over. Cerebral palsy birth trauma can be one of these such cases.

Cerebral palsy is defined as “a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain.”

Birth injury statistics reveal that cerebral palsy birth trauma is, in fact, one of the most common forms. Overall, approximately seven out of every 1,000 babies born will suffer a birth injury and just over two of those (28%) will be cerebral palsy. Although there isn’t much difference in terms of specific birth injury rates between developing and developed countries, some studies have suggested a link to higher rates among poorer people. This could signify that it’s more common for these people to receive sub-par health care.

Another alarming statistic is the fact that among new-born babies that are diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy, approximately 20% is due to the birthing process itself. This doesn’t mean it’s always the fault or negligence of the obstetrician or health care provider. For example, one of the most common inherent risk factors of cerebral palsy birth trauma is low birth weight (under 5 lbs, 7.5 oz). This is one of the primary reasons premature births can also be at-risk for cerebral palsy.

As lawyers and attorneys working in the medical malpractice field, it’s our job to help you identify and rectify potential disorders and conditions that could have been the result of the medical professionals. Early detection can help build a stronger case. Contact us immediately if you think your family has been affected by this type of serious and long-term neglect.

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