Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that often results from complications during childbirth. These complications, which may stem from medical negligence, can leave families grappling with financial, emotional, and physical challenges. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take next. That’s where an experienced Albuquerque cerebral palsy attorney can help.
At Hampton & King, we understand the complexities of an Albuquerque birth injury lawsuit and are dedicated to helping families secure the compensation they deserve. Our team is committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable, ensuring that families have the resources they need to care for their loved ones.
Contact Hampton & King at (713) 658-0231 today or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation. There are no upfront costs – we don’t get paid unless you win. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and a brighter future for your child.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Its Causes
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. While not all cases of cerebral palsy are preventable, some result from medical errors during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or immediately after birth.
Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Some preventable causes of cerebral palsy include:
- Jaundice and Kernicterus: Severe jaundice, if left untreated, can lead to a condition called kernicterus, which damages the brain and can cause cerebral palsy.
- Infections During Pregnancy: The CDC found that untreated maternal infections, such as rubella or toxoplasmosis, can lead to complications that increase the likelihood of cerebral palsy.
- Improper Use of Medical Instruments: The misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can cause physical trauma and brain injuries.
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Medical professionals are responsible for monitoring the baby’s vital signs during labor. If they fail to recognize signs of fetal distress, such as a lack of oxygen, it can lead to brain damage.
- Delayed C-Section: A delay in performing a necessary C-section can result in oxygen deprivation, increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
If you suspect that medical negligence played a role in your child’s condition, it is crucial to consult an experienced Houston medical malpractice attorney who can investigate the circumstances surrounding your case.
Financial Burden of Cerebral Palsy
The average cost of treating cerebral palsy can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition, the specific treatments required, and the region.
Lifetime Costs
The lifetime cost of care for an individual with cerebral palsy is estimated to be around $1 million to $1.5 million in the United States. This includes medical care, therapy, assistive devices, and lost income for caregivers.
Annual Medical Expenses
On average, families may spend 10 times more on medical care for a child with cerebral palsy than for a child without disabilities. This can range from $20,000 to $50,000 annually for routine medical needs, including therapy, medications, and equipment.
Assistive Devices
Costs for wheelchairs, communication devices, and other specialized equipment can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the technology and customization required.
Therapy Costs
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions often cost $100 to $250 per session, and many individuals require weekly or biweekly appointments.
Surgical Interventions
Some individuals with cerebral palsy may need orthopedic surgeries or other procedures, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per surgery, plus rehabilitation expenses.
Home Modifications
Making a home accessible, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, or adapting bathrooms, can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the extent of modifications.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Seek in a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit?
The above figures highlight the importance of pursuing compensation in cases where medical negligence contributed to the condition. If you need assistance navigating the financial aspects of cerebral palsy care, Hampton & King can help you explore legal options to secure the resources your family needs. Call us at (713) 658-0231 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Compensation in a cerebral palsy lawsuit often includes:
- Medical expenses: Past and future costs for treatments, surgeries, therapies, and medications.
- Non-medical expenses: Costs for assistive devices, home modifications, or specialized education.
- Lost wages: Compensation for parents who had to leave work to care for their child.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the emotional and physical toll on both the child and their family.
- Future care needs: Funds for long-term care and support services.
Your attorney will calculate a fair compensation amount based on your unique circumstances. If your birth injury is especially serious, our catastrophic injury lawyers in Albuquerque can help you pursue maximum compensation to cover extensive medical care, lifelong support, and other critical needs.
How to Prove Medical Negligence
To succeed in a cerebral palsy lawsuit, you must demonstrate that medical negligence directly caused the condition. The National Library of Medicine examples describe that this typically involves:
- Establishing Duty of Care: Proving that the medical professional owed a duty of care to the patient.
- Breaching the Duty of Care: Showing that the healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
- Causation: Demonstrating that the breach of duty directly caused the child’s cerebral palsy.
- Damages: Providing evidence of the financial, emotional, and physical impact of the injury.
Medical negligence cases often require expert testimony from medical professionals who can evaluate the standard of care provided and identify where it fell short.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Negligence
If you believe that medical negligence led to your child’s cerebral palsy, take the following steps:
- Request Medical Records: Obtain all medical records related to your pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your child’s medical history, treatments, and expenses.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced cerebral palsy attorney to evaluate your case.
- Act Quickly: Each state has a statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims. Acting promptly ensures you don’t lose your right to pursue compensation.
What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation With an Attorney?
For your initial consultation, it’s essential to bring any documents or information that will help your attorney assess your case. This might include:
- Medical records and documentation of your child’s diagnosis.
- Records of prenatal care and delivery.
- Notes on any complications during labor or delivery.
- Receipts and invoices for medical expenses, therapy, assistive devices, and other costs related to your child’s care.
- A timeline of events, including any concerns you raised during pregnancy or delivery.
The more detailed and organized your information, the more effectively your attorney can build your case. Our law firm has experienced cerebral palsy lawyers in Santa Fe who are dedicated to helping families pursue justice and secure the compensation needed for their child’s ongoing care.
Contact Hampton & King Today
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you suspect medical negligence, don’t face this challenging time alone. The compassionate attorneys at Hampton & King are here to help. We have a proven track record of success in birth injury cases and are dedicated to securing the justice and compensation your family deserves.Call Hampton & King today at (713) 658-0231 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us advocate for your family and help you move forward with confidence.