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Illinois Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10,000 babies per year in the United States are born with, or will develop, cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects the communication between the brain and the body, due to a lack of oxygen to the brain at some point in time during development, birth, or in the months following birth. Muscle control is affected, and depending on the severity of the case, the child may be unable to ever move properly.

CP can also affect speech, which may cause some people to lose the ability to verbally communicate. In its milder forms, cerebral palsy limits the ability to control the muscle of one hand or arm. With proper physical and cognitive therapy, patients with less severe forms of cerebral palsy can gain enough control of their limbs to lead a relatively normal adult life. Other, less fortunate children, may never be able to experience life outside of a wheelchair.

The majority of cerebral palsy cases occur during gestation, when there is the most danger for oxygen to be cut off due to complications with the umbilical cord, or a number of other factors. The remaining number of cases occur during birth, and even up to the age of three. Certain maternal and fetal factors during pregnancy can increase the risks that a child will be born with cerebral palsy. Many of these risk factors can be identified by a doctor during pregnancy. To avoid complications, the doctor may advise the mother on steps to take to lessen the risks the risk of the baby being born with CP.

Unfortunately, there are doctors who are negligent and fail to provide the necessary care to the mother or child during pregnancy and in delivery. If the brain is denied oxygen at any point during delivery, this can be enough to cause cerebral palsy, from mild to severe. There are a variety of ways that a doctor can make a mistake in the delivery room. One of the most common ways is waiting too long before deciding to perform a C-Section, or not recognizing that the infant is in distress before it is too late.

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and you suspect that it is a direct result of your doctor's actions or negligence, your child may be the victim of medical malpractice. If this is the case, it is in your child's best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer or attorney in Illinois as soon as possible. If the doctor is at fault, a lawyer or attorney can assist you in making a claim against your Illinois-based physician for compensation related to your child's condition.

Filing a Lawyer in Illinois
A lawsuit can be filed against your doctor if there is strong evidence indicating malpractice or negligence caused your child's CP. In order to see if you have a strong case, it is imperative to meet with a lawyer in Illinois who specializes in cerebral palsy or personal injury cases. Your local Illinois lawyer or attorney will be able to recognize if there are grounds for a claim, and what your chances of success may be, based upon previous cases they have argued. They may also be able to estimate your compensation, based on past cases and precedents that have been set in Illinois cerebral palsy lawsuits.

The financial strain brought upon a family by cerebral palsy can be enormous, and lawyers and attorneys know how hard the burden can be; that is why they do everything they can to get your the compensation you deserve. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) has reported that the average lifetime cost to a family with a child suffering with CP can be almost $1 million, not including hospital visits, emergency room visits, residential care, and other out-of-pocket expenses. A specialized and experienced Illinois cerebral palsy attorney or personal injury lawyer should fight for you to receive the maximum payment available. The money you win can help give your child a brighter future and better quality of life.