Medical malpractice is a serious issue. When doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals make mistakes that cause harm to their patients, it can result in lifelong injuries. For example, it’s estimated that 7,000 to 9,000 patients die yearly from medication errors.
One of the most devastating types of medical malpractice is when a doctor negligently causes a child to be born with cerebral palsy. If you believe your child was injured due to medical negligence, you may wonder how you can prove it. This blog post will discuss four ways you can prove medical malpractice & mistakes that cause cerebral palsy.
1. Review Your Medical Records
Your medical records will be the first evidence you’ll need to prove medical malpractice. For example, if your child has cerebral palsy, your doctor should have noted it in your records. On the other hand, if there’s no mention of CP, that may be because the doctor failed to diagnose it.
You’ll also want to look for any red flags in your records. For example, your doctor should have monitored you more closely if you had a high-risk pregnancy. If gaps in your records or inconsistencies exist, that could be evidence of medical negligence.
If you’re unsure what to look for, you can hire a medical malpractice attorney to review your records and help build your case.
Some reasons for medical malpractice which can cause cerebral palsy are:
a) Oxygen deprivation during birth
b) Lack of prenatal care
c) Infections during pregnancy
d) Birth injuries
Oxygen deprivation can occur when the baby is not getting enough oxygen during labor and delivery. It can happen because of problems with the umbilical cord, placenta, or uterus. It can also occur if the mother has a medical condition that affects her oxygen levels, such as high blood pressure.
Lack of prenatal care can lead to cerebral palsy if the mother does not receive the proper care and nutrition during pregnancy. In addition, it can cause the baby to be born prematurely or with low birth weight.
2. Get a second opinion
Getting a second opinion regarding your child’s health is always best. If you suspect cerebral palsy is caused by medical malpractice, take your child to another doctor. This doctor can review your child’s medical records and give you their professional opinion.
Getting a second opinion is a great way to get peace of mind and ensure you do what is best for your child.
Another doctor may be able to give you a better idea of whether or not cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice. This opinion can help you make decisions about your child’s future care.
3. Speak to an expert witness
Some of the expert witnesses involved in a cerebral palsy lawsuit are:
• A medical doctor who specializes in the field of obstetrics or neurology
• A neonatal nurse
• A pediatrician
If you are unsure of who to speak with, your lawyer will be able to help connect you with the right expert for your case. But, first, you must find someone qualified who can speak to the specifics of your situation.
4. Use video evidence
Video evidence includes security footage or recorded statements. This type of evidence can be difficult to obtain, but it can be very persuasive in a court of law.
Conclusion
Medical malpractice & mistakes that cause cerebral palsy are common. If your child was diagnosed with CP, and you believe it may have been caused by a doctor or hospital’s negligence, contact an experienced birth injury lawyer today for a free consultation to file a case against those responsible.
