If you see our St. Louis attorneys of Meyerkord & Kurth wearing green this month, it is probably not because of St. Patrick’s Day. No, instead, we are observing and honoring Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month this March. Green was chosen to represent this special month because it symbolizes life and growth. Recent strides in cerebral palsy research has dramatically increased the life expectancy of cerebral palsy (CP) patients, so the color is definitely fitting.
Learn a Little More About Cerebral Palsy
The purpose of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is to spread awareness of this disabling medical condition to more people throughout the U.S. The hope is to increase an overall understanding of what CP is and does. Let’s start right now by reviewing a quick fact sheet about cerebral palsy that everyone should know.
Some facts about cerebral palsy you might not know:
- Approximately 500,000 Americans are living with cerebral palsy to some diagnosable degree.
- About 8,000 children in America are born with CP each year.
- Up to 1,500 toddlers and young children will be diagnosed with CP each year.
- Cerebral palsy usually manifests as weakened muscle control and a speech impediment.
- Only some people with CP have a learning debilitation.
- Life expectancy in CP patients has grown in recent years, ranging well above the previous expectancy of 40.
- CP is not curable at this time, and many patients require some amount of lifelong care.
- Many cases of CP are entirely preventable.
Seeking Justice for Preventable Cases of CP
The last note on this checklist of quick facts may stand out the most to you. The truth is cerebral palsy is a preventable birth injury in many cases, only caused when a medical provider makes a serious mistake during child birth. Some cases of CP are caused when too much pressure is exerted on a newborn’s head, and others can be linked to oxygen deprivation shortly before, during, and after being born.
This is where Meyerkord & Kurth and our St. Louis birth injury attorneys can step in and pursue justice. Medical providers must be held accountable through a medical malpractice claim after their negligence causes a child to be born with cerebral palsy. Otherwise, the lifelong costs of care could unfairly fall upon the child’s family.
If you have a son or daughter who was born with CP or recently diagnosed with it, please call (800) 391-4318 to connect with our law firm. During a free case review, we can review the details of your case, determine if you have a valid claim, and let you know what to do next if you do.