Hemiplegia Birth Injury Lawyer

Spastic Hemiplegia

Spastic hemiplegia is a form of cerebral palsy which affects half of the body with weakness. Hemiplegia is caused by brain damage which occurred in the womb or during birth and can manifest itself right away or several months after birth.  Infections in the mother during pregnancy can cause brain damage to the unborn child and lead to hemiplegia.  If medical personnel applied to much force on a child during birth, the head could have been injured, affecting the brain and causing the hemiplegia.   Babies who appear normal at birth may sometimes be discovered to have spastic hemiplegia when they are around four or five months old.  Awkward hand movements and developmental delay are two signs parents should look for if they suspect their baby may have hemiplegia.  If you or someone you know has a child who is demonstrating problems with hand movements and developmental delays, contact our experienced birth injuries attorneys from the McGuire Law Firm for an assessment of the facts surrounding your child's birth and possible case for medical malpractice.

Effects of Hemiplegia

Someone with hemiplegia may have  considerable difficulties, ranging from mild to severe.  This injury can cause trouble with walking, balance, writing, stiffness and weakness of muscles on one side of the body and developmental delays.  Other developmental effects are limb deformities and vision problems. Some individuals with spastic hemiplegia may experience seizures. Approximately a quarter of all children with spastic hemiplegia have an IQ below 70 and would be considered mentally retarded.  Physical therapy is the standard treatment for spastic hemiplegia, which is aimed at strengthening the muscles and preventing further muscle stiffening.  Medication and surgery are also possible solutions.

Suffering with the consequences of hemiplegia due to negligence caused by medical personnel who did not take the proper care when delivering your child can lead to extremely difficult financial and emotional impacts on your life.  Your child may require lifelong care for this condition and be unable to enjoy the quality of life expected of someone without this injury.  To pursue compensation for your medical costs and future costs, as well as for the emotional trauma your family has to go through, our dedicated attorneys will meticulously review the medical records of your baby's birth and put together a strong case for you to be able to recover damages.  Our firm has been helping families with their birth injuries claims throughout Iowa, including Mason City, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City and Cedar Rapids for many years and look forward to assisting you as well.