Everything went well with your child’s birth–until a negligent doctor made a mistake. Delivery took a devastating turn, and now your precious baby has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).
Time to lawyer up! But not just any lawyer will do. You need a CP birth injury lawyer. Below, we’ll tell you what this type of lawyer does, and when you should hire one.
What Does a CP Birth Injury Lawyer Do?
A CP (cerebral palsy) lawyer specializes in cases where a doctor’s negligence caused cerebral palsy. CP is a group of disorders that affect a person’s movement, muscle tone, and motor skills.
Now, you might wonder, “There are lawyers that focus on CP lawsuits?” Yes. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common birth injuries in the United States and the world. The CDC estimates 1-4 children per 1,000 live births around the world have CP.
CP is often the focus of birth injury lawsuits. Why? Because it’s usually preventable. Hence the need for lawyers to study this condition and how it’s tied to negligence.
A CP birth injury lawyer can provide representation for all types of cerebral palsy, including:
- Spastic. This is the most common type, characterized by stiffness and difficulty with movement.
- Dyskinetic/Athetoid. Involves involuntary movements.
- Ataxic. Characterized by problems with balance and coordination
- Mixed cerebral palsy
Does My Child Qualify for a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit?
This is the very first question you’ll ask your CP birth injury lawyer. Of course, a CP diagnosis is disconcerting. You might be quick to place blame on your doctor. But your doctor’s actions have to meet the legal requirements for malpractice in order for you to file a claim.
So the first step is to schedule an initial consultation. You want to make sure your case has merit before spending your time and resources to pursue it. We invite you to speak with our CP birth injury lawyers now to find out if you should forge ahead.
Every case is different. But here are the basic criteria you must meet for a CP lawsuit:
- Your child has a formal diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
- There’s evidence that malpractice caused your child’s CP.
- You still have time to file according to your state’s laws (the statute of limitations hasn’t passed).
When you consult with a CP birth injury lawyer, they may tell you that they need an expert’s opinion before deciding whether your case has merit. This means another doctor working in the same field of medicine will examine your case for malpractice.
What to Look for in a CP Birth Injury Lawyer
Cerebral palsy lawsuits are complicated. So first of all, you should focus your attention on finding a CP birth injury lawyer. Or at the very least, an attorney specializing in medical malpractice.
Beyond that, you should look for a lawyer with these qualities:
Experience
Look for an attorney who has experience representing clients with cerebral palsy. Ask about the outcomes of these cases.
Competence
Seek out a CP birth injury lawyer with ample expertise. They should have a deep understanding of medical malpractice law and how it applies to CP cases. They should be able to explain the legal process and your options clearly.
Communication
Choose an attorney who is personable and a good communicator. They should keep you informed throughout the legal process. You should never have to feel like you’re “pulling teeth” to get answers to your questions and concerns.
Ample Resources
Consider an attorney who has the resources to investigate your case thoroughly. They should have access to medical experts in the birth injury field. You’ll need the opinions of these experts in order to build a strong case. It needs to be not only strong but rock solid. Why? Because you’ll probably be up against a big insurance company–they certainly won’t be hurting for resources.
Compassion
This might not be the first thing you’d think to look for in a CP birth injury lawyer. But it’s non-negotiable! You’ll probably be working with your attorney for quite a while. CP lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve. So look for someone who will treat your family with respect and dignity.
Track Record
Does the attorney you’re considering have a track record of success? Have they obtained significant settlements or verdicts for their clients in CP cases? Make sure you ask!
Contingency Fee Basis
Finally, consider an attorney who works on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case. This can help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing legal action.
Speak with a CP Birth Injury Lawyer Now
Speaking of burdens—filing your claim doesn’t have to be one. With the right CP birth injury lawyer, you’ll be on the right track to winning your lawsuit. You may obtain compensation that will help you improve your child’s life, despite their diagnosis. Call us now to discuss your case.
