Cerebral Palsy Attorneys

Cerebral Palsy Attorneys in Raleigh, NC

Cerebral Palsy Malpractice

Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of neurological disorders affecting movement, posture, and muscle tone. It can be caused by abnormal brain development before birth and may also be linked to brain damage associated with a difficult labor or delivery. If a doctor mismanages a complication during childbirth, delays a C-section, or fails to properly monitor a fetus in distress, and the child develops cerebral palsy, the condition may be linked to that doctor’s failure to deliver appropriate care.

Proving obstetrical malpractice is extremely difficult, but it is an area in which the attorneys at Edwards Kirby have succeeded time and time again. In fact, we hold the record for North Carolina’s largest birth injury settlement for a case involving cerebral palsy. With our track record of success, medical professionals and their insurance providers know we mean business. Our Raleigh cerebral palsy attorneys are often able to settle prior to trial, but will fight for fair compensation at trial if that’s the best approach for the case.

Has your child been diagnosed with cerebral palsy? Call (919)780-5400 to discuss your legal rights and options with a knowledgeable lawyer.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, refers to injury or abnormal development affecting the cerebrum, which is the part of the brain responsible for motor function. This can lead to palsy, which is characterized by the paralysis of voluntary movement in part of the body.

A child with cerebral palsy may exhibit such symptoms as:

• Difficulty with movement on one side of the body
• Involuntary movements
• Lack of coordination and balance
• Stiff muscles and exaggerated or jerky reflexes
• Shortening of the muscles
• Developmental delays
• Problems with speech
• Drooling, and difficulty swallowing or sucking
• Incontinence and other gastrointestinal issues
• Seizures

Cerebral palsy may vary in severity depending on the extent of brain damage. A child may require lifelong care, or may be able to lead a relatively normal life with little medical intervention. In any scenario, when cerebral palsy is caused by malpractice, the at-fault party should be held responsible for that child’s full and complete care. Our Raleigh cerebral palsy lawyers know how to ascertain the true cost of treatment to help children and their families lead the best quality of life possible.

What to Expect While Working With a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

A cerebral palsy lawyer will help walk you through the litigation process and counsel you regarding your options. A cerebral palsy lawyer tackles complicated medical malpractice cases and can help you:

• Determine if you have a strong case
• Investigate and collect evidence of medical negligence
• Locate medical experts in the field
• Ensure a better chance of winning against doctors’ and hospitals’ insurance companies
• Seek compensation to cover your child’s cost of care and treatment

The majority of cerebral palsy lawsuits follow this process: gathering all medical records, obtaining pre-suit expert review of the medical records, filing the lawsuit, discovery, mediation, settlement, and trial, if a settlement is not reached.

How Can a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Help Raleigh Families Recover?

Cerebral palsy comes with considerable medical expenses. Most families cannot keep up with the cost of treatments, therapies, and ongoing care. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help those with strong cases recover monetary damages and get the help they are owed. Having an experienced attorney can increase your chance of winning a settlement or jury verdict, building a case to compensate you for:

• Past and future medical expenses, including home attendant care
• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Reimbursement for home accommodations
• Rehabilitation, therapy costs and adaptive equipment
• Lost wages due to caring for a child as well as your child’s future lost wages
• Special education costs