Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy
At The Driscoll Firm, our legal team is all too aware of how cerebral palsy, as an incurable brain disorder, can dramatically affect a child’s motor, cognitive, and language skills. Depending on the severity and extent of the causal brain injury, the child may be more or less likely to develop certain serious disabilities. However, some groups of infants are at higher statistical risk of developing cerebral palsy than others. Doctors have a responsibility to do their best to prevent cerebral palsy, and should be especially aware of children belonging to a heightened risk group.
Increased Statistical Likelihoods for Children with Cerebral Palsy
According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, cerebral palsy is known to affect roughly two to three children for every 1,000 born. However, certain groups are more likely to develop cerebral palsy than others. When it comes to the risk of a child developing cerebral palsy, current research shows:
- Of all ethnicities, African-Americans are the most likely to develop cerebral palsy
- Children with low birth-weight may be more likely to develop cerebral palsy
- Children born in a multiple-birth delivery may be more prone to cerebral palsy than single-birth children
- Between the sexes, boys are more likely to develop cerebral palsy than girls
Although these factors may illustrate statistical likelihood, cerebral palsy can affect anyone, especially if a doctor or other medical professional is negligent when providing pre-natal care or delivering the baby.
Contact a Cerebral Palsy Attorney
If your child has developed cerebral palsy because of a doctor or hospital’s carelessness throughout a pregnancy or during a delivery, our lawyers at The Driscoll Firm believe you may be able to fight for compensation for your household’s disability costs. To learn more about how to prepare a cerebral palsy birth injury claim, get in touch today by calling (800) 900-7704.
