Atlanta Cerebral Palsy Attorney

Advocating for Families Impacted by Cerebral Palsy Across Fulton County

Learning your child has cerebral palsy can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. Families expect the birth process to go smoothly, and discovering a preventable error may have contributed to your child’s condition adds an extra layer of distress. Cerebral palsy, often resulting from injuries sustained during labor or delivery due to medical negligence, can lead to lifelong physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

At DGL Attorneys At Law, we understand the profound impact cerebral palsy can have on families. Our Atlanta cerebral palsy attorneys are committed to holding negligent medical providers accountable and fighting to secure the financial resources your child needs for a brighter future. With a proven track record of success and millions recovered for our clients in Georgia, we are here to help you every step of the way.

If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, contact DGL Attorneys At Law today at (770) 404-8239 for a free consultation.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders affecting movement, muscle control, and coordination. It is often caused by damage to the developing brain, which can occur before, during, or shortly after birth. Unfortunately, medical errors during labor and delivery are a significant contributing factor to cerebral palsy cases.

Types of cerebral palsy include the following:

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: The most common form, characterized by stiff muscles and difficulty with movement.
• Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: Also known as dyskinetic or choreoathetoid CP, this type involves involuntary, uncontrolled movements as well as problems with posture and balance.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: This form affects a child’s balance and coordination, making tasks like walking or reaching for objects challenging.
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy: A combination of two or more types of CP, varying in severity and symptoms.

Children with cerebral palsy often face additional health challenges, such as intellectual disabilities, speech delays, or vision and hearing impairments. While some cases are unavoidable, many are preventable and occur due to mistakes in medical care.

How Medical Negligence Can Cause Cerebral Palsy

When healthcare providers fail to provide adequate care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, the baby may be at risk for cerebral palsy. Common medical errors or acts of negligence that lead to CP include:

• Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia): Failure to monitor fetal oxygen levels or delay in performing an emergency C-section can deprive the baby’s brain of oxygen, resulting in cerebral palsy.
• Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can lead to head trauma or brain injuries.
• Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Providers are responsible for identifying and addressing signs of stress during labor, such as an irregular heartbeat. Neglecting these signs can result in permanent injury.
• Untreated Maternal Infections: Some maternal infections, if not managed properly, can affect the baby’s brain development.
• Medication Errors During Labor: Incorrectly administering anesthesia or inducing agents can place undue stress on the baby.

Medical professionals are held to a standard of care. If their actions or inactions deviate from this standard, causing injuries that lead to cerebral palsy, they may be liable for medical malpractice.

Long-Term Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, which often means that children with CP require ongoing medical care, support, and accommodations from an early age. The long-term impacts of cerebral palsy include:

• Physical Challenges: Difficulty walking, limited movement, and reliance on wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
• Educational Needs: Children with CP may require special education services or individual learning support to achieve academic success.
• Social and Emotional Challenges: Limited communication skills or mobility can lead to isolation and feelings of frustration.
• Financial Strain: Families often bear the cost of therapies, medical equipment, home modifications, and caregiving services.

With the right resources, many children with cerebral palsy can lead fulfilling lives. At DGL Attorneys At Law, our goal is to help families like yours obtain the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, therapies, and other essential services.

Compensation for Cerebral Palsy Claims

If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, pursuing legal action can help provide financial stability for your family. Georgia law allows victims of medical malpractice to seek compensation for the following damages:

• Medical Expenses: Includes past and future costs like surgeries, hospitalizations, medication, assistive devices, and therapies.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll on both the child and their family.
• Lost Earning Potential: If cerebral palsy prevents your child from being able to work in adulthood, financial damages can account for future lost income.
• Lifelong Care Costs: Specialized care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications may be necessary to ensure your child’s comfort and independence.

Our experienced attorneys will calculate the full value of your claim, ensuring you receive fair compensation that reflects the current and future needs of your child.

Statute of Limitations for Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits in Georgia

The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing medical malpractice claims, including those involving cerebral palsy. Under Georgia law, the general rule is that families have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

However, if the injury or malpractice wasn’t immediately apparent, the discovery rule extends the statute of limitations to two years from the date the injury was discovered, but no later than five years from the date of the alleged malpractice.

For cases involving children, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of injury, but it cannot extend beyond the child’s 7th birthday.

Because cerebral palsy-related injury cases are highly complex, working with an experienced attorney can ensure that you meet all filing deadlines. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from pursuing the compensation your family deserves.

How Our Atlanta Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Can Help

Cerebral palsy lawsuits require an in-depth understanding of medical records, expert testimony, and Georgia’s malpractice laws. At DGL Attorneys At Law, we take a personalized approach to every case we handle. Our team will:

• Thoroughly Investigate Your Claim: We’ll gather medical records, consult with specialists, and determine whether negligence caused your child’s cerebral palsy.
• Build a Strong Case: Our attorneys will identify liable parties, whether they are doctors, nurses, or hospital facilities, and collect evidence to support your claim.
• Advocate for Fair Compensation: Insurance companies often undervalue claims. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum amount possible to support your child’s needs.
• Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court, presenting a compelling argument to fight for justice.

Our firm is committed to supporting families facing the challenges of cerebral palsy. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Contact Our Atlanta Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Today

Cerebral palsy is more than a medical condition; it is a life-altering event for families. Understanding your rights and pursuing legal action against the parties responsible for your child’s condition can provide the resources your family needs to move forward.

At DGL Attorneys At Law, our Atlanta cerebral palsy attorneys are here to offer compassionate guidance and powerful advocacy. We’ll fight for justice and the compensation necessary to support your child’s future.

Take the first step today. Call (770) 404-8239 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Atlanta cerebral palsy attorney.