The term “hemiplegia” refers to a paralysis of one half of the body. It is often used to describe a specific type of cerebral palsy that causes a baby or child to lose functioning of an arm and leg on the same side of the body. Unfortunately, many cases of hemiplegic cerebral palsy occur due to medical negligence on the part of doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals. When this is the case, parents may be able to seek compensation legally for the medical expenses, rehabilitative treatments, and pain and suffering that the condition has caused.
Both hemiplegia and hemiparesis refer to conditions that happen to just one side of the body. Hemiplegia is when there is a total loss of function on a single side (vertically) of the body. It is a type of paralysis that is mot commonly caused by cerebral palsy.
Hemiparesis, like hemiplegia, affects one half of the body, but rather than a complete loss of function, there is weakness on that side of the body. The extent of the weakness can change over time, either from day to day, or declining gradually over time. Frequently, hemiparesis is eventually followed by hemiplegia at some point.
Sometimes the term “hemiplegia” is used interchangeably with “hemiplegic cerebral palsy.” It’s a form of cerebral palsy that affects movement and control of one entire side of the body, making the individual paralyzed on that side. This type of cerebral palsy is usually caused by a serious birth injury that occurred during or shortly after delivery.
It’s important that parents determine how the injury that caused hemiplegia or hemiparesis happened in the first place, so that if negligence is a factor, they can proceed with a medical malpractice claim. There are various situations that can result in hemiplegic cerebral palsy, but they all involve an injury to one side of the brain. The area of the body that is affected is on the opposite side of the injured area. For example, if the left side of the brain is injured, then the right side of the body will be affected.
Some of the most common causes of hemiplegic cerebral palsy include:
If your child has been diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, you are likely drowning in a sea of emotions, questions, and financial burdens. Could your child’s condition have been prevented? Perhaps it could have been. Many cases of hemiplegic cerebral palsy result from negligence on the part of medical professionals, not from a simple negative outcome of a difficult delivery. When a medical professional fails to diagnose conditions or infections in a mother that result in injury to the baby, or when doctors or nurses make mistakes that harm babies, they can be found to be responsible for the injuries and held accountable.
However, proving that in birth injury claims can be very complicated and time-consuming. These types of cases require extensive legal and medical knowledge to prove, as well as the resources to investigate and research the claims. At Ross Feller Casey, we have the knowledge and the resources to help you with your birth injury case.
Our attorneys have an unrivaled track record of winning birth injury lawsuits, including those involving hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Ross Feller Casey has recovered more than $600 million for its clients over the past three years alone. Let us help you explore your legal options related to hemiplegic cerebral palsy or any other birth injury. Contact our office to schedule your free case review.
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