The Connection Between Mixed Cerebral Palsy and Medical Negligence

WOMSLast Updated: March 25, 2025

Mixed cerebral palsy is when a person has symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy itself is a condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination due to brain damage that happens before, during, or shortly after birth.

In mixed cerebral palsy, the most common combination is spastic and dyskinetic. This means a person might have both stiff, tight muscles that make movement difficult and involuntary, jerky movements that they can’t control.

The severity of the symptoms depends on how much of the brain is affected. Some people may have mild difficulties, while others may struggle with walking, speaking, or using their hands. Understanding mixed cerebral palsy is important because treatment and therapy depend on the specific symptoms a person has.

Medical malpractice happens when a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider makes a serious mistake that harms a patient. In the case of cerebral palsy, malpractice usually occurs when doctors fail to follow standard medical practices during pregnancy, delivery, or newborn care.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the child’s condition and their lifelong needs. Each case is different, but settlements are calculated based on the cost of medical care, therapy, equipment, lost future earnings, and other expenses related to the child’s condition.

How Does Medical Malpractice Cause Mixed Cerebral Palsy?

Before Birth

Pregnant women need regular monitoring to ensure their baby is developing properly. If a mother develops an infection or health complication, doctors must diagnose and treat it quickly. If they fail to do so, it can lead to brain damage in the baby before birth.

During Delivery

Labor and delivery are critical moments, and doctors must respond quickly if there are complications. Some of the most common negligent actions during delivery that can cause cerebral palsy include:

Not recognizing signs of fetal distress (e.g., abnormal heart rate, lack of oxygen).
Delaying an emergency C-section when needed.
Mishandling the baby during delivery, such as excessive pulling on the baby’s head or improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
Failing to address umbilical cord complications (e.g., when the cord wraps around the baby’s neck).
Not providing adequate resuscitation or oxygen supply immediately after birth.

After Birth

Once a baby is born, they still need careful medical attention. If a doctor fails to diagnose and treat certain newborn conditions, they can cause brain damage. These conditions include:

Jaundice (if left untreated, it can cause kernicterus and brain damage).
Meningitis (if not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to cerebral palsy).
Low blood sugar (untreated hypoglycemia can cause brain damage).
Perinatal strokes that go undiagnosed.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Malpractice?

If you believe that medical negligence caused your child’s cerebral palsy, the best step is to consult a solicitor who specializes in birth injury claims. Many law firms offer free initial consultations, so you can discuss your case without financial risk.

An experienced solicitor can investigate medical records, consult medical experts, and determine whether negligence played a role. If negligence is proven, they can help you secure compensation to support your child’s long-term needs.

Are There Time Limits for Filing a Medical Negligence Claim?

Yes, there are legal time limits for bringing a claim.

If the person with cerebral palsy has the legal capacity to make decisions, they must start a claim before they turn 21 (within three years from their 18th birthday).
If they lack the legal capacity to manage their own affairs, there is no time limit for making a claim.

Since these claims can take time to investigate, it’s best to contact a solicitor as soon as possible.

WOMSLast Updated: March 25, 2025