Does Your Child Have Hydrocephalus Due to Medical Negligence? Call an Attorney!
Hydrocephalus is fluid buildup within the brain. It can afflict patients of any age, and some are born with it. While in many cases the cause is thought to be genetic or the result of certain developmental disorders, other cases may be due to a medical professional’s negligence during childbirth.
The damages resulting from hydrocephalus can be extensive because this condition may cause permanent damage that requires costly treatments. If your child sustained hydrocephalus, it is important to understand how it may have happened and where you can turn to acquire compensation for the damages your family suffers.
Snyder & Wenner will evaluate your case and help you determine its viability. We offer families a free and confidential legal consultation in which we review with you your options for recovering damages. To schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys, call 602-224-0005 today.
What Is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition that involves excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles in the brain. The ventricles then begin to swell, putting pressure on the brain, which can lead to significant damage of the brain’s tissues.
There are two forms of hydrocephalus: congenital and acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus may be caused by influences during the course of pregnancy or may be passed along through the parents’ genes. This type of hydrocephalus is present at the time the birth occurs. Acquired hydrocephalus, however, is not spread genetically; instead, it appears either during or after the birth due to trauma, injuries, or other factors, some of which may have been a result of a medical professional’s negligence.
What Causes Hydrocephalus in Newborns?
Some cases of acquired hydrocephalus are due to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which may be a complication of premature birth, reports the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). An IVH of the newborn bleeds into the ventricles. Once the bleeding begins, a blood clot may form; this blood clot then could block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, thus leading to hydrocephalus. IVH is more common in babies who are born prematurely, although it is not exclusive to this category of births.
Other conditions that may lead to hydrocephalus include meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, tumors, traumatic brain injuries, or any other disorders that block the correct flow of cerebrospinal fluid, thus causing a buildup in the brain’s ventricles, according to NINDS.
Work with your attorney to establish what caused your child’s condition. This may require collecting and evaluating medical records, as well as acquiring testimony from a medical expert.
Was Your Child’s Hydrocephalus the Result of Medical Negligence?
Depending on your child’s circumstances, you may be able to demonstrate that his or her hydrocephalus was a result of medical negligence and could have been prevented, had the medical staff taken correct action. When diagnosed in a timely manner, a medical professional can utilize a shunt system, which diverts the cerebrospinal fluid, thus decreasing the likelihood of your child sustaining injuries from hydrocephalus.
If your doctor failed to take appropriate action or in some way contributed to the development of this condition, you may be able to recover compensation to help care for your child. The medical expert may testify about the doctor’s actions and whether they led to your child’s condition. A lawyer helps you secure testimony from any necessary medical expert witnesses.
Do You Believe You Have a Case? Contact Us Today for Guidance
As a result of hydrocephalus, your child may have permanent cognitive impairments and disabilities that require expensive medical treatments. At Snyder & Wenner, P.C. we understand how difficult it can be to watch your child struggle or suffer from medical conditions such as this one, especially when the condition is the result of medical negligence.
We encourage you to reach out to us today for help. We will assist you in securing compensation for the injuries that your child suffered. You can reach us through our website or by calling us at 602-224-0005 to set up a free and confidential consultation.