When a child is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), it can place an enormous burden on the entire family. The condition impacts a person’s ability to move, communicate, and even breathe. It can also lead to financial strain due to the need for medical equipment, therapy sessions, and more. Fortunately, it is often possible to secure substantial compensation for these and other related costs.
A Cerebral Palsy lawyer with a compassionate approach is essential for families facing these life-changing challenges. A legal team with the right experience can help guide clients through every step of a cerebral palsy claim, from filing a lawsuit to recovering maximum compensation.
In addition to the emotional turmoil, many parents are unsure how they will manage their child’s medical bills, future expenses, and care needs. A Cerebral Palsy attorney can explain how these damages are calculated and assist with obtaining appropriate documentation to support the claim.
There are four elements of a malpractice claim: duty, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. The duty element refers to the doctor’s overall responsibility for a patient’s safety and well-being, including the standard of care in their profession. The breach of that duty is demonstrated when a doctor fails to provide adequate medical care for a patient, such as failing to take precautions during labor and delivery or ignoring signs of fetal distress. The causation element refers to the direct link between a doctor’s actions and the patient’s injury. The damages element refers to the monetary losses that result from a doctor’s negligence, including past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
It is important for families to seek the counsel of a skilled Cerebral Palsy lawyer as soon as they suspect a birth injury may have occurred. The sooner a lawsuit is filed, the more likely it is that evidence will be preserved and the statute of limitations won’t expire.
A CP attorney with the right approach can help a family determine what went wrong and whether their child’s condition was preventable. Medical professionals are trained and required to safely deliver babies during difficult births, but they can make mistakes that cause injuries like CP and other serious health conditions.
Symptoms of CP include trouble moving, muscle stiffness that doesn’t stretch, and difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Some people have a mix of symptoms, while others experience only one or two specific issues.
The good news is that CP can be treated with medications and physical therapy, and it is possible to live productive lives with the right care. But this care can be expensive, and it is crucial for families to have access to financial resources. A lawsuit can provide the funds needed to pay for a lifetime of medical attention, therapy, and other associated costs.