Atlanta Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

A cerebral palsy lawyer in Atlanta can help if your child experiences a birth injury. Cerebral palsy (CP) can appear due to complications during birth, and it can be difficult to know where to turn. Sadly, some cases of cerebral palsy can be attributed to the negligence of hospital staff.

If your child has been affected by cerebral palsy as a result of medical errors, you may be entitled to compensation. No matter how it has affected your life, a Georgia cerebral palsy lawyer from Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help put things into perspective and take up your legal battle.

We have been helping families since 2003. Call today for a free consultation.

How an Atlanta Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Can Help Your Family

When it comes to caring for a child with a birth injury in Atlanta, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. The costs associated with ongoing medical care, therapy, and support can quickly add up, leaving families feeling helpless and stressed.

We help families like yours seek financial compensation to cover the expenses associated with cerebral palsy. You can trust our cerebral palsy lawyers always to represent your family’s best interests.

Knowledge and Experience

An Atlanta cerebral palsy lawyer from our team has the experience and knowledge to navigate the complex legal process. We understand the unique challenges faced by families with a child who has cerebral palsy and will advocate for your child’s best interests.

Build a Strong Case

We will gather the necessary evidence and medical records to build a strong case on your behalf. Our team will fight to ensure your child receives the financial resources necessary to get the best possible care and support.

Handle All the Legal Aspects

By hiring a medical malpractice attorney from our team, you can focus on what matters most: caring for your child and ensuring their well-being. Let us handle the complexities of your case and help you secure the financial compensation your family deserves.

Compensation You Can Recover for a Cerebral Palsy Claim in Georgia

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy can be overwhelming for families. Beyond the emotional toll, the ongoing medical care, therapy, and equipment needs associated with CP can create a significant financial burden.

If your child’s CP stems from medical negligence during pregnancy, delivery, or neonatal care, you may wonder: How much can I recover in a birth injury claim? Here’s a breakdown of the economic and non-economic damages you can potentially recover in Georgia:

Economic Damages

These tangible losses aim to reimburse you for the financial strain caused by your child’s CP. Economic damages can include:

• Medical expenses: This covers past and future medical costs related to CP treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, therapies (physical, occupational, speech), medications, and special needs equipment.
• Rehabilitation costs: Ongoing therapy plays a vital role in managing CP. Compensation can address these costs, ensuring your child has access to the support they need.
• In-home care costs: If your child requires assistance with daily activities, compensation can help cover the costs of in-home care or personal assistance.
• Educational expenses: Children with CP may need special education programs or adaptive technology for learning.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your child’s injury limits their future employment opportunities, you may recover compensation for lost earning potential.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages acknowledge the emotional and personal impact of your child’s CP on both the child and the family. 

Non-economic damages in a birth injury case can include:

• Pain and suffering: This covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress your child experiences due to CP.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Children with CP may be limited in their ability to participate in activities other children enjoy.
• Emotional distress: Parents of children with CP often experience emotional anguish, anxiety, and depression.
• Loss of consortium: This applies to married couples where one spouse’s ability to provide companionship or intimacy is diminished due to caring for a child with CP.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the medical professional whose negligence caused your child’s CP and deter similar incidents in the future. The likelihood and amount of punitive damages depend on the severity of the medical professional’s misconduct.

Atlanta Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529

The Process for Filing a Cerebral Palsy Claim

Filing a cerebral palsy claim can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can help make it more manageable. If your child’s condition was caused by medical negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation to cover medical care, therapy, and other essential needs. A compassionate Atlanta cerebral palsy attorney can guide you through the process.

The main steps of the process for filing a cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuit include:

• Initial consultation: By contacting one of our experienced cerebral palsy attorneys, we can help you decide whether or not to go forward with legal action. During this evaluation, your attorney will look at the details of your child’s diagnosis.
• Filing your claim: If your birth injury lawyer believes you have a case, it’s time to start the filing process. We will begin by drafting and filing a petition to start your medical malpractice lawsuit.
• Discovery: You and your Atlanta cerebral palsy lawyer exchange information about the events of the case with the other side. We will see what information the defendant possesses.
• Deposition: A deposition is a sworn testimony that will be kept on file to help us discover information witnesses have that could be helpful to your case. For cerebral palsy, the focus will be on what all involved parties know about the events before, after, and during the birth.
• Investigation: Our team will hire and consult with medical experts, such as qualified nurses or doctors, to evaluate the facts of your case.
• Mediation: Mediation in birth-related injury cases is an opportunity for both parties and their insurance companies to meet outside of court to reach an agreement. In some instances, the case will settle out of court in mediation.
• Trial: If an agreement is not met through mediation, your medical negligence case will go to trial. Our attorneys will present your case to a judge or a jury and call medical experts and witnesses to testify. 

By hiring the right attorney, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child’s best interests are being represented and you are taking the necessary steps to secure the financial compensation your family deserves. Don’t wait; reach out to a cerebral palsy lawyer today and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child.

Identifying the At-Fault Party in a Cerebral Palsy Case

Identifying the at-fault party in a cerebral palsy case is an important step in seeking justice for your child. By working with our experienced attorney, you can uncover the cause of your child’s cerebral palsy and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Possible parties who could be responsible for causing cerebral palsy in your newborn include:

• Obstetricians
• Nurses
• Midwives
• Anesthesiologists
• Hospitals
• Birthing centers
• Medical device manufacturers
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Neonatologists
• Pediatricians

The Deadline for Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits in Georgia

You must act fast if you suspect medical negligence caused your child’s condition. Any delay could affect your path to justice and securing compensation.

According to Ga. Code § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years, and a similar two-year deadline applies to the majority of medical malpractice cases.

This timeline can be adjusted if the child is a minor when the injury occurs, so the deadline may be tolled. Don’t wait to contact the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for help. The sooner you call us, the more time we have to work on your case.

How Cerebral Palsy Impacts a Household’s Future and Finances

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy can shatter a family’s vision of the future. Beyond the emotional weight, CP often brings significant financial challenges that can impact a household for years to come.

Our experienced cerebral palsy attorneys in Atlanta can help you understand the long-term effects of CP on finances and help your family plan and seek the resources they need.

Ongoing Medical Needs

Children with CP require a multitude of medical interventions throughout their lives. These can include:

• Regular doctor visits: Monitoring and managing CP involves ongoing consultations with specialists.
• Therapies: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can all play crucial roles in improving a child’s mobility, independence, and communication skills.
• Medications: Certain medications may be needed to manage muscle tone, seizures, or other CP-related symptoms.
• Hospital stays: Unexpected illnesses or complications may require hospitalization, adding to the medical burden.
• Durable medical equipment: Special wheelchairs, braces, walkers, or communication devices can be essential for a child’s daily life.

The Ripple Effect on Family Finances

The mounting medical expenses associated with CP can create a ripple effect on a family’s financial stability. Here are some potential consequences:

• Reduced income: A parent may need to reduce their work hours or leave their job entirely to care for their child with CP.
• Drained savings: Medical bills can quickly deplete a family’s savings, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected financial emergencies.
• Debt accumulation: Medical bills not covered by insurance can lead to significant debt, which can add to emotional and financial stress.
• Impact on siblings: The increased attention and resources required for a child with CP can unintentionally impact the well-being and opportunities of siblings.

An Atlanta cerebral palsy lawyer from our team can help your family understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your child’s condition. 

Planning for the Future

Despite the challenges, there are steps families can take to plan for the future:

• Seek legal guidance: If medical negligence caused your child’s CP, exploring legal options may help recover compensation for medical costs and future needs.
• Financial planning: Consulting a financial advisor can help families develop a budget and explore strategies for saving for the future.
• Government assistance programs: Families with children with disabilities may qualify for government assistance programs that can help offset medical costs.
• Support networks: Connecting with support groups and community resources can provide emotional and practical assistance for families managing CP.

There are resources available to help navigate the challenges of raising a child with CP. By planning for the future, seeking financial guidance, and exploring legal options, families can secure the resources they need to provide their children with the best possible care and a brighter future.

FAQs for Parents Seeking Answers

CP is a group of permanent movement disorders that affect a child’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and play. If you suspect your child’s CP may have been caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, delivery, or neonatal care, you likely have questions.

Here are some frequently asked questions our Atlanta cerebral palsy lawyers often receive:

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Common causes of cerebral palsy include:

• Complications during pregnancy: Infections, placental abruption (placenta separating from the uterine wall), or lack of oxygen during birth can cause developmental delays.
• Negligence during delivery: Difficult deliveries involving excessive force, delivery instruments used improperly, or delayed C-sections can cause brain trauma in a newborn.
• Medical malpractice during neonatal care: Errors in administering medication or inadequate monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can lead to complications affecting brain function.

What are the Common Symptoms of CP?

CP affects each child differently, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some common signs include:

• Stiff or tight muscles: This can limit a child’s range of movement and make everyday activities challenging.
• Awkward movements: Spasticity (involuntary muscle contractions) or tremors (uncontrollable shaking) can affect coordination and balance.
• Speech delays: Muscle weakness or difficulty controlling the mouth and throat can make communication difficult.
• Developmental delays: Children with CP may miss important developmental milestones like rolling over, crawling, or walking.

Do I Need Legal Representation?

Having legal representation increases the chances of a successful outcome for your case. Cerebral palsy can have a lifelong impact, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation therapies, and adaptive equipment. An experienced attorney from our team can investigate the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth and advise you on your legal options.

We can help determine if medical negligence may have played a role and fight for compensation to cover the significant costs associated with CP.

What is the Standard of Care Expected During Delivery?

Medical professionals have a legal duty to provide a certain standard of care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This includes:

• Monitoring the health of both mother and baby
• Responding appropriately to complications
• Using appropriate delivery techniques and instruments
• Providing adequate neonatal care after birth

What Evidence is Needed for a Birth Injury Lawsuit?

A birth injury attorney will gather evidence to support your cerebral palsy claim, such as:

• Medical records: These document the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and your child’s medical history.
• Expert witness testimony: Medical professionals can evaluate medical records to assess whether the standard of care was met.
• Witness statements: Nurses, delivery room staff, or other healthcare professionals present during the birth may provide valuable insights.

What are the Costs Associated with Hiring a Lawyer?

Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the compensation you will receive if they win your case.

This structure can be appealing as it allows you to focus on your child’s care without the added stress of upfront legal costs.

Talk to an Experienced Atlanta Cerebral Palsy Attorney at No Cost Today

Consult an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer from our team to discuss your birth injury case. We can evaluate your case, determine the types of damages you may be eligible for, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Birth Injury Lawyers Group offers free consultations, allowing you to explore your legal options without any upfront financial commitment.

Remember, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time. Contact an Atlanta cerebral palsy lawyer today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing the financial resources needed to provide your child with the best possible care and future.