A Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help You Demand the Accountability and Support Your Child Deserves
No parent expects their child to be born with a serious birth injury such as cerebral palsy. For too many Ohio families, however, that’s the unfortunate reality, and medical negligence is usually the cause. It only took a single mistake to cause your child’s injury, but you are looking at a lifetime of care and support needs.
That’s why a cerebral palsy settlement or judgment can make a dramatic difference. Our law firm is dedicated to helping our clients secure the compensation they need to ensure their child’s future. Here’s what you need to know about cerebral palsy settlements.
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a movement and balance disorder caused by damage to the brain, usually before, during, or shortly after birth. Several conditions that occur before or during childbirth can cause cerebral palsy, including:
- Hypoxia: lack of oxygen to the brain.
- Infections that spread to the lining of the brain, known as meningitis.
- Kernicterus, a type of brain damage caused by a toxic buildup of bilirubin, which occurs in babies with untreated jaundice.
- Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which can cause brain damage when the baby’s developing brain doesn’t get the fuel it needs.
- Traumatic injuries, such as head injuries, caused by the misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery.
If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by the medical negligence of a doctor or hospital, then you can pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party. Usually, these cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement; occasionally, they proceed to trial before a judge and jury.
What’s included in a cerebral palsy settlement?
Broadly speaking, a cerebral palsy settlement should cover all of the long-term care needs of a child with cerebral palsy. Depending on the nature and severity of your child’s condition, that may include:
- Medical treatment, including future surgery and other medical procedures.
- Therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy.
- Assistive devices such as braces, orthotics, communication devices, wheelchairs, walkers, and motorized ramps.
- Home modifications such as widening doorways, adding accessible bathrooms, and creating space for medical equipment.
- Education assistance, such as private tutoring or special education programs.
- Long-term care, such as home health aides or residential care.
Every child’s care needs are different. That’s why we work closely with experienced, professional long-term care planners who can create a comprehensive life care plan for each child we represent. Such a life care plan can quantify the full cost of your child’s injury so that we can pursue full and fair compensation for those costs.
Talk to an experienced birth injury attorney today
Because of the high cost of long-term treatment and care for cerebral palsy, birth injury claims and lawsuits tend to be hotly contested. Remember, you only have one chance to secure the compensation you need for a lifetime of care for your child.
The Lancione Law Firm has a winning track record in cerebral palsy cases, including a $14.2 million recovery for a baby girl with cerebral palsy. Give us a call or contact us online today to learn how we can help you.