Cerebral Palsy Malpractice Lawsuit Filed Against St. Louis University

A birth injury malpractice lawsuit has been filed against St. Louis University, Memorial Hospital and the doctor who delivered a baby nearly three years ago. The complaint alleges that medical mistakes during delivery caused Haley Overmeyer to develop cerebral palsy, a motor disability caused by permanent brain damage.

The cerebral palsy lawsuit was filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court in Illinois last week, as a result of the birth which occurred on January 9, 2005.

According to The St. Clair Record, Haley’s mother, Linda Overmeyer, alleges that Dr. William Keenan failed to appropriately resuscitate the child, ensure that she was properly intubated or properly monitor her.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement control and muscle coordination, which is also commonly associated with seizures, sensory impairments and cognitive limitations.

The condition is caused by brain damage which is suffered by a baby before, during or immediately after birth. While a brain injury resulting in cerebral palsy can occur in the absence of a medical mistake, hundreds of cerebral palsy malpractice lawsuits are filed every year pointing to specific failures or mistakes made by doctors or medical staff which could be responsible for the brain damage.

Haley Overmeyer’s lawsuit alleges that the doctor, who was an employee of St. Louis University and Memorial Hospital, failed to follow the appropriate standard of medical care, which could have prevented the permanent disability.

Although the condition is incurable, a number of cerebral palsy treatment options are available, such as physical therapy, surgery, medication and assistive technology, which can help individuals with cerebral palsy live a more independent life. However, the life-time medical expenses to care for a child with cerebral palsy can be in the millions of dollars.