Cerebral Palsy Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Waiting for Government Approval

In spite of a federal judge’s approval of a $9 million cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement, the Department of Justice must approve the settlement prior to resolution of the case because the hospital in question is operated by the federal government.

The medical malpractice lawsuit alleged that a child born to a Virginia family suffered medical harm when the delivery of the child was botched in 2010. According to the lawsuit, the child suffered oxygen deprivation, causing permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy. The lawsuit alleged that the medical staff at the Army hospital failed to perform a timely C-section and as a result the child experienced birth asphyxia, or limited oxygen to the brain. Reduced oxygen supply during childbirth is one of many possible causes of cerebral palsy – a neurological disorder with no cure.

Cerebral palsy may result in range of motion in one or both limbs, loss of motor skills, and intellectual deficiencies sometimes requiring lifelong care.