Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors

Library Articles | October 19, 2017

If this article sounds similar to a recent experience that you or a loved one have suffered from, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 859-578-4444 to schedule a free consultation!

When the Risks are High for Cerebral Palsy: Kentucky Lawyer Explains


It is a condition that affects 1 in every 303 children. Every year, approximately 10,000 babies develop it. The cost to care for a child suffering from this disorder is roughly a half a million dollars.

What condition are we referring to? Cerebral palsy.

Medical experts define cerebral palsy as “a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by injury or abnormal development in the immature brain, most often before birth.” (Source: Mayoclinic.com) The symptoms of this life-changing condition tend to surface in infancy or during the preschool years.

Risk Factors Associated with Cerebral Palsy

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may be blaming yourself and wondering if there was anything you could have done to prevent it. The reality is that it is not your fault.
There are certain situations that can lead to cerebral palsy, including the following:

  • An infection: If your baby had an infection, it could have caused inflammation in the brain. Also, if you had an infection while pregnant, your child’s development could have been affected.
  • Head trauma: Falls and car accidents can result in serious head injuries, ultimately leading to cerebral palsy.
  • Asphyxia: A birth injury that restricted oxygen flow to the brain could have caused the disorder.
  • Fetal stroke: According to Mayoclinic.com, a fetal stroke can result in “a disruption of blood supply to the developing brain.”
  • Premature birth: Babies who are born before 37 weeks of gestation are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy.
  • Breech delivery: The odds of cerebral palsy go up when the baby is delivered in breech position or feet first.

Cerebral Palsy From a Birth Injury

Some of the scenarios above are often caused by doctor’s negligence. If you believe your child developed cerebral palsy from a birth injury or other form of medical malpractice, you may be able to recover compensation. While there is no dollar amount that can reverse the damage that has been done, you may be able to receive compensation that would cover your child’s medical bills and other related-expenses.

For a free case evaluation or to get answers to your questions, contact an experienced Louisville birth injury lawyer at the Law Office of Hendy Johnson Vaughn Emery at (859) 578-4444 or (888) 606-5297.  We have been representing families of injured children in Kentucky and Ohio for over 35 years.

Contact the Louisville Personal Injury Law Firm of Hendy Johnson Vaughn Emery for Help Today

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Hendy Johnson Vaughn Emery to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Louisville today. We have two convenient locations in Louisville and Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

We proudly serve Jefferson County, Kenton County, and its surrounding areas:

Hendy Johnson Vaughn Emery – Louisville, KY Office
600 W Main St Ste 100
Louisville, KY, 40202
(502) 540-5700

Hendy Johnson Vaughn Emery – Fort Mitchell, KY Office
2380 Grandview Dr
Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017
(859) 578-4444

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