Cerebral Palsy Lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement. It is the most common motor disability in children. While cerebral palsy is generally caused by genetics or environmental factors, medical negligence can also cause this devastating birth injury. Parents of children with cerebral palsy face a difficult road ahead, including daunting medical expenses, the need to take time off work to care for their child, and a different vision of the future. When a medical professional’s negligence causes cerebral palsy, the family may be able to pursue a cerebral palsy malpractice claim to seek compensation for medical bills and other damages they will likely face.
The cerebral palsy attorneys at Serious Injury Law Group are committed to helping you recover the compensation you will need in the coming years to help your child. We are committed to our local community and want to help you hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their mistakes. Contact us to learn more about your options for recovery. We are available to meet with you wherever is most convenient for you.
How Can a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Help?
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help walk a family through the complex process of filing a cerebral palsy claim, which may involve the following stages:
Investigation
Various reasons can cause cerebral palsy. Therefore to obtain compensation for a cerebral palsy claim, you will need to establish a direct link between a medical professional’s actions and your child’s injury.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can investigate your claim, review medical records, and consult with medical experts to determine the factors that contributed to your child’s condition. Our medical malpractice lawyers know the type of evidence to look for to establish your claim and how to preserve it.
Advice
Cerebral palsy claims are often very complex. You may have various questions that pop up during the process. A cerebral palsy lawyer from Serious Injury Law Group can answer your questions and advise you throughout the process.
Demand
Cerebral palsy can be a very expensive condition to treat. A cerebral palsy lawyer can calculate the full extent of your damages and demand compensation that accounts for the real impact the injuries will have on your life.
Negotiations
A cerebral palsy lawyer can also handle communications with the insurance companies or defendants. They may engage in several settlement negotiations to try to recover the compensation you are owed.
Discovery
If the insurance company or defendant is uncooperative, your cerebral palsy attorney might advise you to file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve. As part of the litigation process, your lawyer can demand information to help prove your claim, issue subpoenas for information from third parties, and conduct depositions to preview the testimony of the parties and witnesses.
Trial
If your case goes to trial, your cerebral palsy lawyer will present witnesses and evidence to substantiate your claim. They will also make legal arguments and cross-examine the defense’s witnesses.
Through every stage of the case, your cerebral palsy lawyer will seek justice and compensation for your family, hold negligent medical professionals legally responsible for their mistakes, and guide you with compassion.
What Are the Causes of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is often the result of genetics and congenital conditions. Birth injuries can also cause an increase in the risk of cerebral palsy. Common birth injuries and conditions that can lead to cerebral palsy include:
- Abnormal fetal position
- Birth trauma
- Brain bleeds
- Delayed C-sections
- Fetal distress
- Forceps and vacuum extractor injuries
- Lack of oxygen during labor
- Low birthweight
- Maternal infections
- Placental abruption
- Premature birth
- Prolonged labor
- Umbilical cord problems
- Uterine rupture
When cerebral palsy is caused by a doctor or medical negligence, the following may be to blame:
- Failure to monitor – Healthcare professionals must carefully monitor the health and vital signs of the mother and baby before, during, and after the delivery process. If a problem arises, quick action can sometimes prevent more serious birth injuries.
- Failure to diagnose – Some healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard o care because they do not diagnose the mother or baby correctly. For example, they may fail to diagnose a high-risk pregnancy. Without a proper diagnosis, they may be unprepared to respond to a medical crisis.
- Improper medical response to fetal distress – Once signs of fetal distress are recognized, it is imperative that medical professionals respond quickly and appropriately. An inadequate response to fetal distress can sometimes result in cerebral palsy.
- Failure to perform a timely C-section – In some cases, a C-section may be the safest way to deliver a baby. If healthcare professionals delay in delivering the child, the child may suffer irreversible brain damage.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Cerebral Palsy?
A cerebral palsy lawyer can file a claim against any healthcare professional or entity that was directly responsible for the medical negligence that caused your child’s cerebral palsy. Most cerebral palsy claims are made against the hospital, doctor, nurse, midwife, or other medical professionals who delivered the child.
What Can You Recover in a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit?
Treatment for cerebral palsy may be a lifelong process that focuses on helping your child develop as many motor skills as possible. Treatment can be very expensive. If another person’s negligence caused your child’s cerebral palsy, you may be able to recover compensation for the following types of medical expenses associated with
- Surgery – Baclofen pump insertion, hearing correction surgery, neurosurgery, pulmonary surgery, orthopedic surgery, and corrective surgery to address anatomical defects
- Therapy – Occupational, physical, and speech therapy
- Medical equipment – Baclofen pumps, feeding tubes, braces, wheelchairs, hearing aids, cochlear implants, nerve stimulators, and breathing aids
- Medication – Anticholinergic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory medications
You may also be able to recover compensation for projected loss earnings, loss of companionship and society, and pain and suffering.
Obtain Help From an Experienced Alabama Lawyer To Face This Situation
If you believe that a medical mistake that occurred before, during, or after your child’s birth resulted caused your child to develop cerebral palsy, Serious Injury Law Group can help. Contact us today to get started on your recovery.