Cerebral Palsy

Trusted Savannah Medical Malpractice Firm Fighting for Families Affected by Preventable Birth Injuries

Cerebral palsy often results from preventable medical mistakes before, during, or after birth. Oxygen deprivation, improper monitoring, or delayed C-sections can cause irreversible damage to a baby’s developing brain. When negligence leads to lifelong impairments, legal action may provide the necessary support for medical care and long-term needs. Suthers & Harper fights for families impacted by medical malpractice, ensuring that negligent providers are held accountable.

A Georgia cerebral palsy lawyer at Suthers & Harper helps families pursue justice for children experiencing mobility challenges, muscle stiffness, and developmental delays. If medical negligence caused cerebral palsy or if a delayed C-section resulted in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), Suthers & Harper provides the legal guidance needed to seek compensation.

Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Malpractice in Georgia

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects movement, coordination, and muscle control. Some cases result from preventable medical errors during labor and delivery, such as oxygen deprivation or improper use of forceps. In the United States, 1 in 345 children are diagnosed with CP by age eight, according to CDC estimates.

Medical Errors Can Lead to Lifelong Problems

Doctors must carefully monitor fetal health and respond to complications immediately. Medical mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can cause irreversible brain damage, leading to CP. Common errors include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress – A delayed response to oxygen deprivation can result in brain injuries.
• Delayed emergency C-section – Prolonged labor or breech positioning may require immediate surgical intervention.
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors – Excessive force can cause trauma to the baby’s skull and brain.
• Undiagnosed maternal infections – Infections like meningitis or chorioamnionitis can increase the risk of CP.

Medical negligence in the delivery room can change a child’s life forever. A Georgia birth injury attorney helps families hold healthcare providers accountable when preventable errors lead to cerebral palsy.

Families facing a cerebral palsy diagnosis often struggle with medical expenses, therapy, and long-term care. A Georgia cerebral palsy lawyer investigates whether medical negligence played a role and helps families recover the compensation needed to support their child’s future.

Types of Cerebral Palsy and Their Effects

Not all cases of CP present the same way. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of brain damage. A claims analysis found CP in 1.78 per 1,000 patients, with 69.8% experiencing spasticity. The most common forms of CP include:

• Spastic CP – Stiff, tight muscles make movement difficult.
• Hemiplegia – One side of the body is affected, causing coordination issues.
• Diplegia – Both legs are impacted, often leading to mobility challenges.
• Quadriplegia – All four limbs and the torso are affected, often requiring lifelong medical care.

These conditions may require therapy, assistive devices, and continuous medical treatment. A cerebral palsy lawyer in Georgia fights for financial support to cover the long-term costs associated with this diagnosis.

The High Cost of Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Caring for a child with CP creates significant financial strain. Medicaid data reveals that the annual cost of care for children with CP averages $22,383, while non-ambulatory children face even higher expenses, averaging $43,687 per year. Despite these challenges, 42.4% of children with CP do not receive any standard management options through Medicaid.

Common treatments include:

• Physical therapy – Helps strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
• Orthotics – Supports posture and movement.
• Medications – Reduces muscle stiffness and pain.
• Botulinum toxin injections – Temporarily relax tight muscles to improve function.

These treatments are essential but costly. A Georgia cerebral palsy attorney helps families pursue compensation to cover medical care, therapy, and specialized equipment.

Legal Options for Families Affected by Cerebral Palsy

When a medical provider’s negligence causes a birth injury, legal action can provide financial relief for ongoing care. Compensation may cover:

• Past and future medical expenses,
• Lost earning potential,
• Home modifications and assistive devices, and
• Pain and suffering.

Holding negligent doctors accountable is critical to preventing similar medical mistakes. A Georgia cerebral palsy lawyer builds strong cases by working with medical experts, reviewing hospital records, and demonstrating how negligence led to a child’s diagnosis.

If medical malpractice plays a role in your child’s condition, taking legal action may be the best step forward. Contact Suthers & Harper to discuss your case.

Suthers & Harper Advocates for Families Affected by Birth Injuries

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy presents significant emotional and financial challenges, mainly when medical negligence plays a role. Suthers & Harper has the resources and experience to handle high-stakes birth injury cases, ensuring that families receive the compensation they deserve. If medical malpractice contributed to your child’s condition, legal action may provide the financial relief needed for ongoing care and therapy. Contact Suthers & Harper today for a free consultation to discuss your case. You can reach our Savannah birth injury lawyers by calling 800-320-2384 or through our secure online contact form.