Taking Legal Action: Cerebral Palsy

Many times in with a cerebral palsy diagnosis, parents and families do not act on questions and hunches and consult with pediatricians or other medical experts in gaining an understanding of their child's developmental concerns.

Many parents do not know which signs to look for that are common indicators of cerebral palsy (CP). Many physicians wait until their child is 18-24 months before diagnosis. Major signs of CP are developmentally-based: not reaching developmental milestones on time such as learning to sit, roll over, smile or walk.

Parents who are concerned about the proper steps to take involving the possibility of CP with their children should heed this advice:
• If you suspect your child's injury or diagnosis could have been avoided if better care been provided, seek legal help immediately. Some states have deadlines for exercising certain legal rights - don't delay.
• If one law firm says you don't have a case, get a second opinion.
• Most importantly, find a law firm that specializes in birth injury litigation. These firms are the ones in the best position to evaluate your case.
• Don't let a lack of money deter you from seeking legal help. Most firms will evaluate and handle your case at no charge.

Many times a medical team could be at fault for your child's problems. Failure to diagnose a prenatal condition or deliver the baby on time causes these children to have severe CP. Another key issue involves doctors who do not correctly read the fetal monitoring rate. If you believe that your child was born under any of these circumstances, contact an experienced birth injury lawyer to assist you with your claim.