Birth Injury and Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Home

Children with Cerebral Palsy Face Increased Flu Risk

Posted on October 1, 2012 by

A joint study between the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other neurological disorders are more likely to die from flu and flu-related illnesses. The study found that 64 percent of children who died from the H1N1 virus in 2009 had been diagnosed with a condition like cerebral palsy, epilepsy or intellectual disability. In response, the CDC recommends an influenza vaccination for children with any of the above conditions. Lyn Finelli, who works for the CDC’s Influenza Division, says that the findings are a “somber reminder of the harm that flu can cause to children with neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders.” Children with cerebral palsy face many complications in everyday life. In addition to a weakened immune system, children with cerebral palsy might have difficulty talking, moving, eating, breathing and learning. Mistakes made in the delivery process can…
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Severe Brain Injury for Newborn with Dislodged Feeding Tube

Posted on September 26, 2012 by

Summer Hawcroft was born prematurely to Steven and Michaela Hawcroft of Kendray in the UK on April 23, 2011. She died in her mother’s arms 49 days later. An ongoing lawsuit blames a mistake by doctors at the Barnsley District Hospital. When her breathing tube was disconnected, it deprived Summer of much needed oxygen while she was in the neo-natal unit. The lawsuit says this lack of oxygen caused a traumatic brain injury, which led to her early death. ‘A Combination of Factors’ Summer needed resuscitation after birth, according to pediatrician Dr. Ash Kale. She was placed in an incubator and fitted with a breathing tube. An independent doctor testified that another breathing tube would have been more appropriate, and Kale admitted that he’d received no training regarding incubation. When Summer started hyperventilating, medical staff adjusted the incubator settings. On May 4, the breathing tube “became displaced,” according to a…
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Chicago Family Receives $13 Million Settlement in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit

Posted on September 25, 2012 by

A Chicago family recently settled a birth trauma lawsuit against the hospital they hold responsible for causing their baby’s birth injury. When the plaintiff checked into the hospital to give birth, a “house” doctor with no formal training in obstetrics attended her labor until her regular physician arrived. By the time her physician got there, the baby had already suffered oxygen deprivation, which caused permanent brain damage. As a result, the baby developed cerebral palsy. The case was set to go to court, but on the eve of the trial, the Chicago hospital opted to settle with the family for $13 million. The family will receive part of the settlement in cash and the rest as future payments. Children with cerebral palsy typically require specialized treatment and care throughout their lifetime. An award like this one enables a family to afford the medications, therapy, special education, orthotic devices and/or surgery…
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