A Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Can Hold Medical Professionals Accountable
In his work as a cerebral palsy lawyer in Santa Fe, NM, Richard A. "Rick" Sandoval has handled a large number of birth injury cases. Mr. Sandoval understands that every parent wants answers to three questions, regardless of the specific injury involved or the unique facts of the case. How did this happen to my child? Could it have been prevented? What do I do now? It is Mr. Sandoval's goal to help his clients understand how the injury occurred and whether the other party is responsible for providing compensation. At our firm, we understand the financial implications of personal injury cases, which is why we review each case free of charge. Schedule a complimentary consultation by contacting us online or calling our office at (505) 795-7790.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a congenital (occurring before or at the time of birth) condition. It may be caused by genetic abnormalities, a viral or bacterial infection, low birth weight or a premature birth, or, notably, complications during labor or delivery that result in a reduced oxygen supply (hypoxia) or a reduced blood supply (ischemia) to the fetus.
Is the Condition Preventable?
Doctors debate the answer to this question. However, it is undisputed that the fetal brain needs a continuous supply of oxygen in order to develop fully and properly. Also undisputed is the fact that fetal hypoxia and ischemia injure on a continuum; that is, the longer the fetus is deprived of oxygen, the more severe and more extensive the harm, including brain damage, will be. It follows, then, that (a) regular monitoring of both the mother and the fetus before delivery, and (b) fast action by the medical team in recognizing fetal distress and moving aggressively to alleviate that distress during labor and delivery, can make a world of difference in the outcome for the child and his or her family.
Mr. Sandoval can help determine if negligent care before, during, or after delivery contributed to your child's cerebral palsy.
What You Can Do For Your Child
If your child was harmed as a result of medical negligence by a healthcare provider, then you have a right to hold the medical team accountable and seek compensation for that injury. A medical malpractice lawyer will investigate your situation by reviewing the medical records of your pregnancy, labor and delivery, looking for answers to these and other questions:
- Did your doctor monitor you and your baby throughout your pregnancy for symptoms or signs that your babys oxygen supply might be compromised?
- Did you or your baby have any condition (e.g., an infection) that might lead to a compromised fetal oxygen supply? Was that condition promptly and properly diagnosed?
- Did your doctor monitor your baby's heart rate throughout your pregnancy, watching for changes or abnormalities in the fetal heart rate? If abnormalities were present, did the doctor order appropriate tests or other corrective action?
- During labor and delivery, did your doctor recognize the signs of fetal distress and take action to increase the supply of oxygen being delivered to the fetus?
- If signs of fetal distress were present, and remedial efforts were proving ineffectual, did the doctor order an emergency C-section to deliver the baby before the lack of oxygen resulted in permanent brain damage?
During recent cerebral palsy litigation, the team at Sandoval Firm has managed to uncover supporting evidence including:
- Placenta pathology reports were inaccurate
- Abnormal MRIs were withheld from family members
- MRI reports were incorrect
- Hospitals Risk Management Department has been involved within three days of birth to prepare the hospitals legal defense
Contact Us Today
A medical malpractice lawyer like Mr. Sandoval can help you determine if negligent care before, during, or after delivery contributed to your child's cerebral palsy. If you would like to discuss your family's situation and your legal options, please call Sandoval Firm at (505) 795-7790 or contact us online to receive your complimentary case review.
