Secure Compensation With a Fort Wayne Cerebral Palsy Attorney at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell

Our Fort Wayne birth injury attorneys navigate the complexities of medical malpractice cases, from gathering essential evidence to collaborating with top medical experts. We aim to ensure that your family has the financial support needed for immediate and future needs, covering costs like:

  • Ongoing medical care and treatments
  • Rehabilitation and therapy services
  • Assistive devices and necessary home modifications
  • Costs for long-term care and support services
  • Compensation for pain and suffering

To see how we’ve helped others secure justice, explore our case results. Our dedication has made a real difference for families across Indiana. We’re also available to discuss specific case results relevant to your situation during a free initial consultation.

Is Cerebral Palsy a Lifetime Disability?

Cerebral palsy is generally a lifelong condition that impacts muscle control, posture, and motor skills, with severity varying widely among individuals. While some children may experience milder symptoms, others require significant support, including assistive devices, specialized therapies, and, in some cases, around-the-clock care.

The costs associated with managing cerebral palsy can add up quickly, making compensation crucial for families. With ongoing therapies, regular medical treatments, and the need for modifications to living spaces, financial resources help ensure that the child can lead the most fulfilling life possible given their circumstances. Compensation is especially critical when considering the need for permanent, life-long medical care, which becomes a part of life for many living with cerebral palsy.

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy Due to Medical Negligence

Medical negligence during childbirth is a significant factor contributing to cerebral palsy cases. Medical teams are responsible for providing careful monitoring and appropriate responses throughout the labor and delivery process. When lapses occur, such as a failure to monitor fetal distress or delays in performing an emergency C-section, the consequences can be severe, impacting the child’s neurological development.

Examples of medical negligence leading to cerebral palsy include:

  • Failure to monitor fetal distress: Not responding to signs of fetal distress can lead to prolonged oxygen deprivation, a major factor in cerebral palsy.
  • Delayed or improper response to complications: In cases of prolonged labor or other complications, a lack of timely intervention can result in severe outcomes for the infant.
  • Failure to perform a timely C-section: Delayed C-sections often leave infants at risk of oxygen deprivation, one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy.
  • Improper use of delivery instruments: Misuse of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can cause physical trauma to the baby’s brain.
  • Neglecting to treat maternal infections: Untreated infections in the mother can affect fetal brain development, raising the risk of cerebral palsy.

Our team at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell brings a deep understanding of medical standards and the diligence needed to uncover where negligence may have impacted your child’s well-being. From assessing medical records to consulting with experts, we carefully build a case to hold negligent providers accountable.

Compensation Available for Families Affected by Cerebral Palsy

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy often requires a lifetime of specialized support, and compensation can provide vital resources for immediate and future needs. When medical malpractice is responsible for the condition, families have the right to seek financial support to cover both tangible and intangible impacts.

Types of compensation include:

  • Medical expenses: Covering past and future treatments, including surgeries, medications, and regular doctor visits.
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy: Ensuring access to ongoing therapy to improve motor skills and functionality.
  • Home modifications and assistive devices: Supporting adaptations for mobility, such as ramps or wheelchairs, to improve quality of life.
  • Costs for long-term care and support: Many children with cerebral palsy will require additional assistance, sometimes on a permanent basis.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional and physical toll on both the child and family.

When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy potentially linked to medical malpractice, establishing negligence requires thorough investigation and expert support. With over 764,000 children and adults living with cerebral palsy in the U.S., it’s essential to build a case that clearly connects a healthcare provider’s errors to the child’s condition. A Fort Wayne attorney at our law firm will meticulously review each aspect of a birth injury case to present the strongest evidence possible.

Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Cerebral Palsy Cases

Indiana law generally requires that medical malpractice claims be filed within two years from the date of injury. In cases involving young children, however, certain exceptions may extend the deadline. This statute of limitations is strict, and missing it can prevent families from pursuing rightful compensation for their child’s lifelong needs.

Acting swiftly is essential to ensure all necessary steps are taken within the legal timeframe. For a complete overview of deadlines, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss time limitations for medical malpractice cases in Indiana with an expert lawyer.

Contact a Fort Wayne Cerebral Palsy Attorney for a Free Consultation

Our team works diligently to provide clarity and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your family’s needs. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case, learn more about your legal options, and take the first steps toward securing the support your child deserves.