Seattle Cerebral Palsy Lawyers
Compassionate Legal Support for Washington Families in Need
When a family learns their child has cerebral palsy caused by a birth injury, it can be an overwhelming and heartbreaking time. Not only must they cope with the physical and emotional effects of their child’s injury, but they may also struggle financially due to unexpected medical expenses, therapy costs, and other associated expenses.
At Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, we understand the unique challenges that Washington families face when their child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. We are passionate about advocating for victims of birth injuries and are committed to helping families get the justice they deserve. Our cerebral palsy lawyers have a successful track record of representing clients in cases involving cerebral palsy and are prepared to fight for your family’s rights.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to a medical error or negligence, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Seattle cerebral palsy lawyers today by filling out this online form or calling (206) 208-0318.
Key Insights into Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits in Washington
When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, families may face emotional, physical, and financial challenges. In some cases, cerebral palsy may be caused by medical negligence during childbirth or prenatal care. If you believe that your child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Our team of experienced Seattle cerebral palsy attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender is here to provide legal support to Washington families when they need it most. We understand the complexities of cerebral palsy cases and will work tirelessly to seek justice and compensation for your child's injuries. Additionally, our firm utilizes a comprehensive approach to each lawsuit, ensuring that every detail is meticulously examined and every necessary expert is consulted to build a strong and compelling argument on our clients' behalf. We also stay informed about the latest legal precedents and medical research relevant to cerebral palsy, enabling us to provide informed and up-to-date advice to those we represent.
Some key points to consider in cerebral palsy lawsuits include:
- Evidence of medical negligence
- Statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit
- Potential compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and long-term care
- The importance of expert medical testimony
Essential Legal Steps for Families Facing Cerebral Palsy Diagnoses
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to a birth injury in Washington, follow these crucial legal steps. First, collect all medical records related to your child's birth and diagnosis. These documents are vital for establishing a timeline and identifying any deviations from standard medical practices.
Next, consult with a cerebral palsy attorney in Seattle who handles birth injury cases. An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing medical records and consulting medical experts to determine if negligence occurred. Our team leverages a network of medical professionals who can provide valuable insights into standard care practices and identify where those standards may have been breached.
File your claim within the statute of limitations in Washington. Acting promptly is essential. Once the claim is filed, additional evidence such as expert testimonies and witness statements will be gathered to build a robust case. It is crucial to work with a legal team that prioritizes strategic planning and timely action to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.
Finally, your attorney will negotiate with the responsible parties and their insurance companies for a fair settlement. If a satisfactory settlement isn't reached, they are prepared to take the lawsuit to court to secure the compensation your family deserves. Contact our Seattle cerebral palsy lawyers at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender for a free consultation.
Understanding Washington State Laws on Cerebral Palsy
Washington state law provides specific guidelines and statutes that pertain to medical malpractice claims, including those related to cerebral palsy. Families must understand these regulations to navigate their claims effectively. For instance, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Washington is generally three years from the date of the injury or one year from when the injury was discovered. This highlights the importance of swift action and seeking legal counsel promptly.
Furthermore, Washington state requires claimants to present evidence of medical negligence, typically necessitating the testimony of medical experts to substantiate claims. This can include details like the failure to monitor fetal distress or mismanagement during the birthing process that led to cerebral palsy. Understanding these legal nuances can empower families to build stronger claims and seek fair compensation for their child’s long-term care needs.
Why You Should Hire an Experienced Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Attorney
Pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of a child affected by cerebral palsy can be a daunting prospect, but the benefits of taking legal action may be significant. A successful lawsuit can provide your family with the financial compensation they need to cover current and future costs associated with your child’s injury, such as medical treatments, physical therapy, and specialized equipment. Filing a claim can also be an important way of holding those responsible for your baby’s injury accountable and preventing similar incidents from occurring again in the future.
When a parent believes that their child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, it is important to have an experienced birth injury attorney on your side. At Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, we have over 50 years of experience helping Washington families with their legal needs. We believe that families deserve justice when their children are injured due to medical negligence. By choosing us, you not only gain access to seasoned legal professionals but also a team committed to compassionate client service and thorough case preparation. We strive to provide our clients with a transparent legal process, explaining every step we take and offering regular updates, so families feel involved and informed throughout the entire legal journey. Our dedication to our clients goes beyond the courtroom as we work tirelessly to ensure they feel supported and heard as they navigate these difficult circumstances.
Common Questions About Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits
What Should I Do If I Suspect Medical Negligence?
If you suspect medical negligence contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy, acting swiftly is essential. Begin by compiling all relevant medical documentation related to the pregnancy, childbirth, and your child’s subsequent treatment. This information will be crucial in assessing whether medical negligence occurred. Consulting with experienced cerebral palsy lawyers in Seattle, like those at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, can help you understand your legal rights and options. Professional advice can also assist in determining the viability of a claim and guide you on the best course tailored to your specific circumstances. Establishing negligence requires thorough investigation, so having legal professionals who understand how to navigate such complex claims on your side can significantly improve your position.
What Are the Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Infants?
Early detection of cerebral palsy can be critical for both medical treatment and legal action. Some signs to watch for include developmental delays in reaching milestones like rolling over, sitting, or walking, as well as abnormal muscle tone, such as being too floppy or stiff. Parents might also notice their baby has poor coordination, difficulty sucking or eating, and favors one side of the body over the other. If you observe these symptoms, consulting a medical professional promptly can ensure a timely diagnosis. An early diagnosis not only aids intervention and treatment but also provides a firmer basis for legal claims if negligence is suspected. Documenting these symptoms and discussing them with healthcare providers can help establish the necessary medical records needed for potential legal action.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can be caused during the birth process. In some cases, this occurs due to errors or negligence on the part of medical professionals.
Some of these potential errors include:
- Failing to monitor or recognize signs of fetal distress
- Not diagnosing or treating infections in the mother during pregnancy
- Administering too much oxygen or not enough oxygen to the baby
- Incorrect use of forceps/vacuum extractors during delivery
- Improperly using medications to induce labor or speed up the delivery process
- Delaying Caesarean section when a C-section is necessary
- Neglecting to detect and treat umbilical cord issues such as compression, prolapse, and entanglement
In some cases, cerebral palsy can also arise after a baby is born. Neurological damage due to post-birth trauma or lack of oxygen to the brain after birth can result in cerebral palsy. Understanding these causes is essential not only for legal claims but also for prevention efforts in medical settings. Increased awareness and education on these potential pitfalls can lead to improved protocols and better training for healthcare providers, reducing the likelihood of preventable cerebral palsy cases in the future.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe it was caused by medical malpractice, the Seattle-based attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender can help. We understand how complex birth injury cases can be and are committed to helping Washington families get the justice they deserve.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect muscle movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It can cause physical disabilities, impairments in speech, difficulty with fine motor skills, and can even impact breathing. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or at birth.
Early signs of cerebral palsy in an infant may include:
- Delays in reaching milestones like sitting up, crawling, grasping objects, walking, and talking
- Trouble with movement, balance, or coordination
- Poor head control and stiff neck muscles
- Difficulty sucking, eating, and swallowing
- Stiff muscles or tight joints that can cause a baby to move less than usual
- Abnormal postures like a curved back or legs turned inward when standing or crawling
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Abnormal muscle tone that is too tight or floppy when picked up
- Excessive drooling/ difficulty swallowing saliva
- Poor eye contact or lack of facial expressions
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Cerebral Palsy Claim?
Potential damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: One of the most substantial damages that can be recovered is the cost of medical care. This includes past and future medical expenses for diagnosing and treating cerebral palsy. Compensation can cover surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, and specialized medical equipment like wheelchairs and communication devices.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Children with cerebral palsy often require ongoing rehabilitation services. These extensive services include physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Compensation can also cover the costs of alternative therapies that may not be covered by insurance but are essential for the child’s development and well-being.
- Home Modifications: Homes often need to be modified to accommodate a child with cerebral palsy. These modifications can include installing ramps, widening doorways, and adapting bathrooms to make them accessible. Compensation can help families make these necessary changes to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.
- Educational Expenses: Many children with cerebral palsy require special education services. Compensation can cover the cost of specialized educational programs, tutoring, and additional support the child may need to thrive academically.
- Pain and Suffering: Cerebral palsy can lead to a lifetime of physical distress and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering takes into account the physical challenges and the psychological impact that cerebral palsy can have on the child and their family. This type of damage is more subjective but can significantly affect the quality of life.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If cerebral palsy prevents the affected individual from working in the future, or if a parent has to decrease work hours or quit their job to care for the child, compensation can cover lost wages. Additionally, damages may include the child's future earning capacity if they cannot work due to the severity of their condition.
- Assistive Devices and Technology: Children with cerebral palsy may need various assistive devices and technology. This includes wheelchairs, communication devices, and other equipment designed to improve their mobility and independence. Compensation can cover these essential tools to help the child live independently.
- Long-Term Care Costs: Cerebral palsy often requires lifelong care, especially for individuals with severe disabilities. Compensation may be sought to cover long-term care costs, including in-home care services, residential care facilities, and other support services that may be necessary as the child ages.
- Emotional Distress: The emotional toll of caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be very overwhelming. Families may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress they experience as they navigate the challenges of raising a child with special needs. This can include the cost of counseling and other mental health services.
Contact Our Cerebral Palsy Attorney in Seattle Today
When cerebral palsy results from medical negligence, it is critical to seek legal representation from our Seattle cerebral palsy lawyers, who understand the complexities of these lawsuits. The legal process can be challenging, but having us by your side can make all the difference in securing the compensation your family needs. If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, do not hesitate to contact Schroeter Goldmark & Bender. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing the compensation your family deserves. By consulting with our dedicated team, you benefit from our strategic legal planning and personalized client care that caters to each family's unique circumstances, ensuring your needs and priorities are at the forefront of our efforts.
Our purpose is to help families in their time of need. Call (206) 208-0318 or reach out using our online contact form. Our Seattle cerebral palsy lawyers are here for you!
