What Causes Cerebral Palsy During Birth?
A cerebral palsy diagnosis does not mean something went wrong during labor or delivery. Many cases have prenatal or genetic origins unrelated to the care given at birth. The information that matters to you is what caused your child’s cerebral palsy and when it occurred. This is where our attorneys could help.
When cerebral palsy originates from a birth injury, the medical record is usually the evidence. A careful review could establish whether the delivery or the hours immediately after involved an event capable of causing neurological harm.
What Delivery Complications Might Lead to Cerebral Palsy?
Certain complications during delivery or shortly after birth could injure the brain. Delivery-related causes of cerebral palsy include:
- Oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery
- Physical or mechanical brain injury during delivery
- Failure to recognize fetal distress
- Delayed necessary cesarean section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Untreated severe newborn jaundice
None of these events, on its own, proves malpractice. The key question is whether the care you and your child received met the medical standard and whether a departure from that standard caused the injury.
How the State Defines a Birth-Related Neurological Injury
State law defines this narrowly. Under Florida Statutes § 766.302, the injury must involve the brain or spinal cord of a live infant who meets a birth-weight threshold: at least 2,500 grams for a single birth or at least 2,000 grams for a multiple birth.
The origin of the brain trauma must be oxygen deprivation or mechanical injury occurring during labor and delivery. Resuscitation in the immediate period after delivery also counts, if it happens in a hospital. The impairment must be permanent and substantial, affecting your child mentally as much as physically. A genetic or congenital abnormality falls outside the definition altogether, which is why not every case of cerebral palsy qualifies.
The cause and timing of your child’s injury determine what option is available to your family.
Contact Us To Learn About Birth Injuries Leading to Cerebral Palsy
At Colling Gilbert Wright—The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers—we meticulously review birth injury and medical malpractice matters. Most of our cases come through referrals from other attorneys, reflecting the level of trust those firms place in our experienced advocacy for injured parties.
If you are wondering, “What causes cerebral palsy during birth?” we could review the facts and explain your options. You owe us no attorney fees or case expenses unless we secure a recovery for you. Call our team today to learn how to proceed with your case.
