Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

A cerebral palsy lawyer investigates whether a doctor or hospital failed to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to a preventable injury. They gather medical records, consult with medical experts, and build a case proving negligence.

The lawyer also handles all legal filings, negotiation with insurers, and represents you in court if needed. Their goal is to secure financial compensation for your child’s long-term care, therapy, and support.

A good lawyer also acts as an advocate, helping you navigate both the legal and emotional aspects of the process.

You should contact a lawyer as soon as you suspect your child’s condition may be linked to a birth injury. Time limits to file a claim, called statutes of limitations, vary by state and often begin shortly after the injury or diagnosis.

Some states offer extended deadlines for children, but waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence. Early legal advice preserves your rights and ensures you don’t miss the window to file a claim. Even if you’re unsure, a consultation is usually free and risk-free.

Yes, if medical negligence played a role in your child’s cerebral palsy, you may be able to sue the doctor, hospital, or both. These cases focus on whether proper care was provided before, during, or after delivery.

If care was delayed, decisions were mishandled, or signs of distress were ignored, legal action can hold the providers accountable.

Most claims are settled with the hospital’s insurance provider—not the individual doctor directly. A lawyer will determine who is legally responsible and include them in the claim.

Compensation from a cerebral palsy case can cover a wide range of needs:

• Ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, speech)

• Medical care, surgeries, and hospitalizations

• In-home nursing and personal care assistants

• Assistive technology and mobility equipment

• Lost income if a parent had to leave work

• Emotional distress and pain and suffering

In severe cases, compensation may total millions of dollars to support lifelong care. Your lawyer will help estimate your family’s specific needs.

Most cerebral palsy lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and the lawyer only gets paid if they win or settle your case.

Their fee is typically a percentage of the awarded amount (commonly around 33–40%). If you don’t win, you owe nothing. This structure makes legal help accessible to all families, regardless of financial situation.

You don’t need to have every record before contacting a lawyer. Once you agree to move forward, your lawyer will gather records from hospitals, clinics, and OB-GYNs on your behalf.

You’ll be asked to sign a medical release form allowing this access. If you do have discharge summaries, birth reports, or NICU records, bring them to your consultation. But even without them, your case can move forward.

The timeline varies, but most cases take between 1 to 3 years from start to finish. Factors include the complexity of the case, the willingness of the other side to settle, and whether the case goes to trial.

Some claims resolve in under a year, especially if liability is clear. Others take longer if expert witnesses are needed or if the hospital disputes responsibility. Your lawyer will keep you updated and handle deadlines on your behalf.

Yes, but the claim will usually need to be filed in the state where the injury occurred. If your child was born in one state and you’ve since moved, your lawyer will coordinate with legal teams in that state.

Some national law firms can handle multi state cases or partner with local attorneys. Be sure to tell your lawyer where the birth took place, even if you’re now out of state. This affects the filing rules and deadlines.