Las Cruces Cerebral Palsy Attorney

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is considered a neurological disorder affecting movement, muscle coordination, and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, generally before or during birth. The severity of CP varies, with some individuals experiencing mild motor impairments while others require lifelong assistance for mobility and daily activities.

There are four main types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Often characterized by stiff muscles and difficulty with movement.
• Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Involves involuntary movements, making it difficult to control muscle function.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Impacts balance and coordination, leading to unsteady movements.
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy: A combination of different types, often including symptoms of both spastic and dyskinetic CP.

While cerebral palsy is not progressive, meaning the condition does not worsen over time, it can lead to complications such as joint problems, difficulty swallowing, speech impairments, and intellectual disabilities.

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can result from various elements, some of which are preventable. In cases where medical negligence contributes to the condition, legal action may be necessary to hold responsible parties accountable.

Some of the most common causes include:

Medical Negligence During Pregnancy and Birth

• Oxygen Deprivation: A lack of oxygen (hypoxia) during labor and delivery could cause brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy. Delayed response to fetal distress, failure to perform a timely C-section, or umbilical cord complications can contribute to oxygen deprivation.
• Failure to Monitor: Proper monitoring of fetal heart rate and maternal health is essential. Undetected infections, high blood pressure, or placental problems can increase the risk of brain injury.
• Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors: Excessive pressure during assisted delivery can cause brain trauma, leading to cerebral palsy.
• Delayed Birth Interventions: Prolonged labor or failure to act on signs of distress could result in brain damage because of a lack of oxygen or physical trauma.

Birth Injuries and Trauma

• Head Trauma: Difficult deliveries involving excessive pressure on the infant’s head can cause brain injuries.
• Jaundice and Kernicterus: Severe, untreated jaundice could result in kernicterus, a type of brain damage that increases the risk of cerebral palsy.
• Infections: Maternal infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus can cause complications that lead to cerebral palsy.

Other Factors

• Premature Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks have a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy because of underdeveloped organs and increased vulnerability to brain injury.
• Low Birth Weight: Infants weighing less than 5.5 pounds are at a greater risk of experiencing complications that may lead to cerebral palsy.
• Multiple Births: Twins, triplets, or higher-order multiple births are more likely to experience premature birth or other complications that increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my child’s cerebral palsy in New Mexico?

In most cases, families in New Mexico have three years from the injury date to file a claim. Certain circumstances—such as if a government entity is involved or if you did not discover the harm right away—can affect this timeframe. Discuss your family’s situation with a legal professional to help protect your rights.

Do hospitals or doctors in Las Cruces have unique responsibilities for preventing birth injuries?

Medical providers and hospitals in Las Cruces must follow state and federal care standards throughout pregnancy and delivery. Hospitals are responsible for monitoring mothers and babies, and lapses in safety protocols or patient monitoring can become central issues when evaluating possible negligence.

What should I bring to a consultation about a birth injury claim?

Bring all medical records, birth documents, and relevant notes about your child’s care and symptoms. These materials help an attorney or legal team evaluate your case and give more informed feedback about next steps in Las Cruces.

Contact Our Cerebral Palsy Lawyer in Las Cruces Today

Don't face the challenges of cerebral palsy alone. At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal landscape with confidence and clarity. Our specialized focus and community-driven approach position us uniquely to serve clients in Las Cruces. 

You join a community committed to advocating for justice and comprehensive support by reaching out today. Our approach ensures you receive personalized attention, robust legal representation, and the peace of mind you need during such a pivotal time. Let's begin this journey and secure your family's support and resources.

Contact our Las Cruces cerebral palsy attorney at (505) 388-0066 for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing the future you and your family deserve.