Mental retardation is the medical term for people who have lower than normal brain function. Like other developmental delays, a parent’s first indication that something is wrong is when the child misses typical milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, walking, and talking.
Mental retardation is a specific diagnosis, whereas “developmental delay” is a catch-all description for children who, typically because they are very young, do not have a final diagnosis. Many healthcare providers now use the term “intellectual disability.” About 3% of all children in the United States have a form of mental retardation.
As the child grows and develops, mental retardation injuries can manifest as mild, moderate, or severe. To varying degrees, a person with mental retardation may have difficulty with memory, social skills, and self-care skills. In many cases, mental retardation is caused by an error made by a medical provider during labor or delivery. If you believe this is the cause of your child’s injuries, The Becker Law Firm can help.
Contact our Ohio mental retardation attorneys at 216-621-3000 or online for a free consultation.
Causes of Mental Retardation
Mental retardation injuries can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Genetic disorders
- Developmental problems while in the womb
- Birth trauma during labor and delivery
In birth trauma cases, mental retardation is typically caused by a lack of oxygen or blood to the baby during labor and delivery. Obstetricians and nurses must carefully monitor the condition of the baby to make sure that she can withstand the stresses of labor.
Using electronic fetal monitoring, the health care providers can get a real-time assessment of the baby’s heart rate. If the monitoring reveals problems, doctors may need to perform a cesarean section to save the baby’s life and protect his or her health.
