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Virginia Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

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Introduction
Cerebral palsy is a term that you may hear thrown around on occasion, but have never really understood. It is a complex condition that has a variety of causes and effects. Cerebral palsy actually refers to a group of chronic disorders that involve degrees of brain damage, effecting the brain's ability to control and regulate the nervous and muscular systems, and impairing movement and function. The main cause for cerebral palsy is a lack of oxygen to the brain. The majority of cases occur during pregnancy and gestation, while the remainder 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; he or she may advise the mother on preventative measures that can be taken to lessen the risks of the baby being born with the condition.

While a fetus may not develop cerebral palsy during gestation, it may develop during birth if the labor takes too long and the baby is unable to get enough oxygen while in the birth canal. In addition, medical techniques used during the birthing process, such as the use of force in a vacuum or forceps-assisted delivery, can directly cause a child to develop cerebral palsy. And while it is more rare, development of cerebral palsy during the first few years of life may also occur, due to illnesses such as jaundice, bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis.

The effects of cerebral palsy vary from patient to patient. Some babies will only have limited cerebral palsy in one limb or area of the body, while others may be affected throughout the entire body. No matter how severe, cerebral palsy is a very physically debilitating illness, and can be fatal. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are treatments and exercises available to help manage it.

Unfortunately, signs of cerebral palsy do not begin to show themselves until the child starts to develop. If your child has recently been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and you suspect that it is a direct result of your doctor's actions or negligence, it is in your family's best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer or attorney in Virginia as soon as possible. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the doctor and be entitled to financial compensation for your child's medical expenses.

Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
By contacting a lawyer or attorney who specializes in personal injury law, or especially cerebral palsy cases, you have the potential to obtain compensation for the mistakes made by doctors or other hospital staff during the management of your labor and/or the delivery of your baby. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help you determine whether you have a viable case and are entitled to compensation. You should do so as soon as possible, because the statute of limitations in Virginia for malpractice and personal injury is two years, meaning you only have two years to file a lawsuit against the party who wronged you.

Your Virginia lawyer or attorney will most likely concentrate on the future financial needs and medical costs for your child. Search for a lawyer or attorney who will work closely with medical economists and life care planners to determine these costs. Make sure that this team of experts will take into account the costs associated with future surgeries, medical equipment, physical therapy, special education, and diminished quality of life. In doing this, you have a better chance at recovering damages and receiving the compensation your family, and especially your child, deserves.

In your search for a specialized Virginia lawyer or attorney, be sure to find someone with extensive experience in cerebral palsy and personal injury law. These cases can be lengthy and very detailed, requiring knowledge of procedures that a general lawyer or attorney may not be experienced with. By having someone with the right skills, you'll be on the right path to get your child the help he or she deserves, and help him or her to have a better quality of life.