Only a few short decades ago, many people with cerebral palsy didn’t make it far into adulthood. Thankfully, most do today. Though studies have not been done to determine statistical lifespans of people with cerebral palsy, many live 30 to 70 years. However, multiple factors play a part in just how long an individual with cerebral palsy will live.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a medical condition that affects the posture, coordination, and body movement of an individual. In many cases, CP is caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the baby’s brain during labor or delivery. It is associated with brain injury and is one of the most common causes of long-term disability from infancy. CP causes a person to have muscle tightness and uncontrollable reflexive movements. It can affect part or all of the body and can range from mild cases to severe. Some people with CP suffer from vision and hearing issues, seizures, and intellectual disabilities.
In many cases, children who develop cerebral palsy do so because of birth complications that couldn’t be avoided. However, in some cases, CP is caused by medical mistakes or negligence. When this occurs, the medical professionals at fault may be found liable.
It’s nearly impossible to determine how exactly someone’s lifespan will be impacted by cerebral palsy. It can take months or years for doctors even to assess the level and degree of impairment a child with CP will experience. While the majority of people with CP live well into late adulthood, some don’t.
Some factors are considered to be areas of concern that can shorten the lifespan of someone with CP. They include:
When cerebral palsy happens due to the negligence or mistake of a medical professional, it may be considered medical malpractice. However, the exact decision, indecision, or cause of CP may be very difficult to determine. That’s why anyone who has a child with CP, especially those with severe symptoms, should consult a top-rated birth injury attorney to review their case.
At Ross Feller Casey, we have the knowledge and resources to help parents determine whether their child’s cerebral palsy could have been avoided. Our legal team may be able to obtain a substantial financial recovery by holding medical professionals legally accountable for the mistakes that led to the CP.
We have a team of Ivy League-trained medical doctors on staff to review medical records and determine if your child’s condition was caused by malpractice, and leading birth injury lawyers who have track records of winning cases like yours.
All our birth injury cases, including cerebral palsy claims, are handled on a contingency basis, so you will not have to pay any fees until your case is won. Contact Ross Feller Casey today and schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys.
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