According to statistics, approximately 800,000 children and adults in the United States are currently living with cerebral palsy. In addition, approximately 10,000 babies are born across the country every year who are ultimately diagnosed with this condition. Cerebral palsy can range in severity, but for the most part someone who contracts it will face a lifetime of challenges and expense. This does not even take into account the emotional devastation that will be endured by parents who receive this diagnosis for their children. In short, people in this position face many difficult situations.
Unfortunately, there is no one defined cause of cerebral palsy, and there is no 100-percent effective way to prevent it from developing in a child. However, there are too many situations in the United States where a child is injured during birth because of negligence who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result. When parents decide to obtain the help of New York medical malpractice lawyers to stand up for their legal rights, the claim could require the help of medical expert witnesses. Below are a few reasons as to why this form of help could be important.
To Combat Defense Theories
As stated above, there are several different ways in which someone can contract cerebral palsy. Some causes include genetics, infections suffered by the mother during pregnancy or some other difficulties that arise during the gestation period. Any defense attorney who is representing a doctor or a hospital will likely try to introduce any or all of these possibilities in order to take the scrutiny off of the negligence that occurred during the birth. A medical expert can place that scrutiny directly where it belongs if that does happen.
To Explain Highly Technical Information
Explaining how and why someone has contracted cerebral palsy is going to be highly scientific regardless of the actual details. Since most people on juries are not biologists or scientists in general, this extremely technical information will need to be presented and explained in a way that makes sense for someone who does not have a background in this type of work. Medical experts can help handle that so that juries understand what went wrong.
To Explain Future Possibilities
Finally, a medical expert could be necessary so that the court can obtain an understanding of what types of challenges and expenses the child and his or her family may face in the future. This type of evidence will help the court understand better what types and amounts of damages should be considered for the plaintiff, and it will affect the ultimate verdict.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe it was because of a mistake made by the medical team overseeing your child’s delivery, you need to seek the help of New York medical malpractice lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of families for more than 40 years. Contact The Fitzgerald Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.