Cerebral Palsy Lawyers in Atlanta, GA

When the medical team fails to properly recognize and respond to fetal distress, this could be seen as "negligence," or failure to exercise the level of care expected in the medical community. During labor and delivery, the doctor, nurse, and midwife must closely monitor the child for any indication of distress.

Signs indicating that the child may be in trouble can be seen on fetal monitor strips, ultrasounds, stress tests, bio-physical profiles and non-stress tests. Once a child starts to show signs of distress, the medical team must deliver the child immediately to prevent brain damage.

Other causes of birth injuries which may indicate medical negligence include the following:

• Failure to order a C-section in a timely manner
• Misuse of forceps or vacuums
• Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections
• Failure to recognize that the baby is in a breech position
• Failure to recognize unusual changes in the child's heart rate

If your infant has been recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you should contact an attorney in Atlanta immediately. At Morgan and Morgan, our attorneys have a successful track record of investigating and litigating cerebral palsy claims. With decades of combined experience handling cerebral palsy lawsuits, our attorneys have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for injured infants and their families.

Although each case is different, our cerebral palsy attorneys strive to help our clients recover the full amount of compensation needed to readjust to life following an unexpected birth injury. Our Atlanta birth injury team is not only made up of skilled attorneys but also doctors and nurses who can help us pinpoint the exact cause of a birth injury, and economic experts who can estimate future damages.

It is estimated that lifelong care for a child with cerebral palsy will exceed $1 million. This estimate covers the cost of doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, special education, loss of earning capacity, and home and car modifications.

It does not include hospital outpatient visits, ER visits, residential care and family out-of-pocket costs. Therefore, for those caring for a child with cerebral palsy in Atlanta, the actual economic costs may exceed this $1 million estimate.

When a child is injured due to medical negligence, the family may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their medical and rehabilitation expenses, both past and future. They may also be able to recover future lost earnings if it is expected that the child will not be able to work.

Other damages for non-economic losses, including pain and suffering, loss of life's enjoyment and mental anguish may also be available. Your Atlanta attorney may be able to procure a settlement against your healthcare provider to recover compensation for these losses. If negotiations are not successful, your attorney will prepare your case for trial.

While it may be difficult to consider filing a lawsuit following an unexpected birth injury, parents should be aware that they only have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit before they are barred from seeking compensation for their child's injury. If your child was born with cerebral palsy, contact our Atlanta office today, free of charge, to see if we can help you fight to receive compensation for your medical bills and other losses.