New Jersey Cerebral Palsy Attorneys

Cerebral palsy is a terrible disorder that can cause life-long disability to your child. In some instances, nothing can be done to prevent this terrible injury. However, many cases of cerebral palsy are the direct result of a healthcare professional's wrongdoing or negligence.

At The Donnelly Law Firm, our New Jersey cerebral palsy lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience handling complex birth injury claims. We know what to look for when investigating cerebral palsy claims, including signs that your doctor failed to uphold the standard duty of care. Our legal team is passionate about securing the justice you and your family are owed.

For a free, confidential case evaluation with our experienced New Jersey cerebral palsy lawyers, call our Summit, NJ office at (800) 398-1866 or contact us online today.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a non-progressing condition that affects motor function and muscle coordination. It is brain damage, often caused by a lack of oxygen, which can occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.

Your child’s medical records may refer to this injury in the more complicated medical term hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy which means brain damage due to oxygen deprivation at birth.

What Are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy affects the part of the brain that controls motor function and can present in the following symptoms:

• Lack of balance and muscle coordination
• Tremors or involuntary movements
• Excessive drooling or problems with swallowing
• Difficulty with sucking or eating
• Delays in speech development or difficulty speaking
• Learning difficulties

Cerebral palsy can affect your baby's entire body or only one side of the body and may not be immediately apparent but will show up as the baby ages from infancy into preschool years. If you notice any of these symptoms or other developmental delays, your child may be suffering from cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy Caused By Delivery Room Error

If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after a difficult labor or delivery, it is possible that a doctor or nurse’s failure to properly respond to fetal distress is to blame.

The following acts of negligence can result in cerebral palsy:

• Improperly monitoring your baby’s oxygen levels
• Failing to order an emergency C-section
• Failing to uphold the standard duty of care

Reach out to our cerebral palsy lawyer in New Jersey as soon as possible. We can help you seek justice and the fair compensation you need to properly care for your child.

Cerebral Palsy Caused By Misdiagnosis

Birth trauma isn't the only thing that can cause cerebral palsy in newborns. Certain infections in the mother while pregnant or in the newborn can greatly increase the risk of cerebral palsy in newborns.

If your doctor misdiagnosed or failed to treat any of the following infections, it may have caused your baby's cerebral palsy:

• Cytomegalovirus
• Chickenpox
• Rubella
• Toxoplasmosis
• Herpes simplex virus

Damages You Can Recover to Improve Your Child's Quality of Life

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it does not mean that he or she cannot —or does not deserve—to live a full, happy life. That being said, the total lifetime cost of caring for someone with cerebral palsy can be immense.

Your child will likely require a great deal of medical treatment and specialized equipment, and you may need to rearrange your own life to provide for your child.

Depending on the unique circumstances involved in your case, you may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:

• All medical expenses required for your child, including past, current, and future treatment
• Required medications and medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, ramps, braces, etc.
• Special education costs, counseling expenses, and more
• Lost income and/or wages from the time you have taken off work to care for your child
• Lost potential future earnings, if your child’s condition will prevent him/her from working
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress suffered by you or your child
• Home care costs (if needed)
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Put 50+ Years of Combined Experience on Your Side

If your child’s cerebral palsy is the result of a birth injury caused by medical malpractice or negligence, our firm can help you work to recover the maximum compensation you are owed. This compensation can allow you to secure the crucial care your child needs and improve his or her quality of life.

Call The Donnelly Law Firm at (800) 398-1866 or send us a message online to speak to one of our experienced New Jersey cerebral palsy attorneys today.