Seattle Cerebral Palsy Lawyers
Providing Legal Support to Washington Families When They Need It Most
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 learn to cope with the physical and emotional effects of their child’s injury, but they may also be struggling 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 attorneys have a successful track record of representing clients in cases involving cerebral palsy and are prepared to fight for you and 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 attorneys today by filling out this online form or calling (206) 208-0318.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits
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 lawyers at Schroeter Goldmark & Benderis 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.
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
What Are The Legal Steps To Take If My Child Was Diagnosed With Cerebral Palsy Due To A Birth Injury?
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 cerebral palsy attorneys in Seattle who specialize in birth injury cases. An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing medical records and consulting with medical experts to determine if negligence occurred.
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.
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 case to court to secure the compensation your family deserves. Contact our Seattle cerebral palsy lawyers at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender for a free consultation.
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 accountable those responsible for your baby’s injury 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.
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 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 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.
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 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 cases. 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.
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!
