Rockford, IL Cerebral Palsy Attorneys
Injury Lawyers For Cerebral Palsy Cases in Winnebago County, IL
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a mostly preventable condition that results from a brain injury or damage to the central nervous system, usually during childbirth or shortly thereafter. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cerebral palsy affects about one out of every 323 children, which makes it the most common type of motor disability children suffer from. CP is a permanent condition, and its level of severity varies depending on each individual case. Even in the mildest of cases, however, this condition has a dramatic effect on a child's quality of life.
Many times, the occurrence of cerebral palsy is due to a birth injury caused by the carelessness or negligence of medical staff either before, during, or shortly after the delivery of the child. This can be difficult to prove, however, because there are typically multiple factors involved, and doctors, hospitals, and their high-priced attorneys do everything possible to avoid responsibility.
At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our mission is to stand up for those who have been harmed by birth injuries and other forms of medical malpractice. We understand the heartache parents suffer when they learn that their newborn child has a permanent medical condition that could have been prevented. Our attorneys have over two decades of experience and a strong track record of success in this area of the law, and we put that experience to work to fight hard for the just compensation you deserve. We know the common tactics the other side uses to fight these types of cases, and we know what it takes to ensure that the responsible parties are held fully accountable.
Case Results: Multi-Million Dollar Settlements for Children Suffering from Cerebral Palsy
Unnecessary delays in the delivery process often result in cerebral palsy and other serious health conditions. Such was the case with two children Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, represented. Because their deliveries were delayed, the children suffered severe complications, and both developed cerebral palsy. We were able to obtain settlements of $8 million and $7.5 million for these two children to compensate for their permanent injuries.
Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy
CP can manifest itself in several ways. The four main types of cerebral palsy are:
- Spastic: Muscles that are stiff with jerky movement. Most CP cases fall into this category.
- Athetoid/Dyskinetic: Muscles that become too loose or too tense, which can cause difficulty holding yourself upright and/or walking.
- Ataxic: Damage to the cerebellum that causes poor balance and coordination.
- Mixed: In some cases, a mix of the three types of CP can occur, with symptoms that vary in severity.
Cerebral palsy is often the result of one or more complications that occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after a child is born. Some of the most common complications that can cause CP include:
- Extended labor
- Medication errors during labor (e.g., excessive labor induction medication)
- Oxygen deprivation
- Surgical errors during labor
- Head trauma during labor
- Fetal or infant stroke during labor
- Untreated post-delivery brain infections
- Excessive exposure to toxins or chemicals that cause brain damage
- Other types of head trauma
To identify the root cause of cerebral palsy, a thorough investigation and review of the medical records must be conducted. Our team has handled countless cases like these, and we are able to quickly uncover the common (and often overlooked) factors that may show that negligence on the part of the hospital or doctor was the main cause of the development of the condition. We also frequently call on top national and international medical specialists who can provide expert testimony to help affirm our findings.
Contact an Experienced Byron Cerebral Palsy Attorney
At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, we understand the complexities of cerebral palsy birth injury cases and what is necessary to secure a favorable result. We offer free consultations, and we take all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to pay upfront attorney fees to receive the skilled representation you deserve. If your child suffered a birth injury resulting in cerebral palsy, contact our office today at 815-215-7561 to schedule your free, no obligation case assessment. We serve clients in Rockford, Winnebago County, Freeport, Belvidere, Winnebago, Loves Park, Byron, Rochelle, Oregon, Boone County, Stephenson County, Ogle County, and throughout Illinois.