Did you know that cerebral palsy is a preventable condition that occurs in approximately one of every 300 children?

Often associated with medical malpractice, this permanent condition can result from a brain injury or damage to the central nervous system of a baby during labor and delivery due to a lack of oxygen.  A mother’s undiagnosed or untreated preeclampsia is one example of a preventable cause of cerebral palsy. Medical research has shown that cerebral palsy is a birth injury often caused by negligent medical care providers.

After a cerebral palsy diagnosis, many parents feel afraid and uncertain of their child’s future, especially since it can result in lifelong nervous system problems and issues with movement and cognition.  If your family is experiencing this, know that you are not alone. In fact, according to the CDC, cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children, affecting about one in every 345 children.

So, what can you do to help your family after a cerebral palsy diagnosis? First, we suggest seeking legal advice to determine whether the events surrounding your child’s pre-natal, post-natal, or delivery care were negligent.

Because finding a trusted attorney can be difficult, we’ve compiled a list of qualities you’ll want to look for and questions to ask when you first meet.

What Makes a Good Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?

While success rate and notability are important factors when finding your attorney, hiring someone who makes you feel comfortable is equally crucial. When selecting an attorney to assist you with a medical malpractice case, consider asking the following questions:

• How long have you been practicing?
• Do you focus your legal practice on medical malpractice cases and trials, or do you handle all legal matters?
• Can you take my case to trial if that is the only way to achieve meaningful compensation?
• How many cases have you tried to a jury?
• Do you work with the top medical experts in the country?
• Are you active in the state’s Trial Lawyer Association?

It is important to remember that an attorney who hasn’t tried many cases may have a high success rate simply due to a lack of experience. Choosing an experienced attorney with glowing reviews is essential in helping you achieve justice with a fair and meaningful recovery.

Talk to a Chicago Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

Remember that your desire to seek justice does not mean you are against the medical profession. It simply means you need to find a remedy for the overpowering losses in your life—emotional, physical, or financial. For example, according to the Cerebral Palsy Guide, caring for a child with cerebral palsy can exceed $50,000 annually. This estimate includes direct expenses, such as doctor appointments, therapy, and medication, and indirect expenses, such as adaptive clothing or shoes, daily care support, and special education programs.

The Chicago birth injury attorneys at Hurley McKenna & Mertz have access to a network of top experts with the courage and qualifications to testify in court on behalf of injured patients. With nearly 75 years of combined experience and a history of successful medical birth injury verdicts and settlements, Hurley McKenna & Mertz team are considered subject matter experts within the industry. Because of our expansive experience, we can help you obtain justice for your child with cerebral palsy.

Contact us today if you believe you may have grounds for a cerebral palsy or birth injury lawsuit.

Get Birth Injury Resources and Support

Did your child suffer a serious and permanent birth injury? If so, download our free birth injury ebook, which includes actionable resources that have helped our many clients support their families after the unthinkable. Plus, it offers a variety of resources, including support groups, and explains how to know when it’s time to seek justice through legal action.