Cerebral Palsy Malpractice Attorneys in Grand Rapids, Michigan

young boy with cerebral palsy in walker

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most devastating birth injuries that may occur as a result of medical malpractice.  It can result in life-long disability.  As a parent, you want answers.  How did this happen? Could it have been prevented?  What went wrong?  Our cerebral palsy lawyers are experts in birth injuries and will help you get answers.

Can doctors cause cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy can be the result of either abnormal brain development or injury to the baby’s brain in the moments prior to delivery, such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.  In the latter situation, the brain damage could be the result of medical malpractice if there was prolonged labor or other birth trauma that resulted in decreased or lack of oxygen to the brain or other tissue injury, such as traumatic forceps or vacuum delivery.

The brain injury is permanent, but generally does not worsen.  Individuals with CP have trouble controlling their movements and posture and can experience developmental delays.  Medical care and therapy is usually needed for life.

Can you sue for cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is one of several birth injuries that can entitle the victim to a legal claim for damages. Cerebral palsy occurs in about 1 to 4 out of every 1,000 live births, and sometimes this is due to medical malpractice. A cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuit can be due to a number of potential malpractice issues including:

  • Failing to perform a C-section
  • Mistakes during a C-section
  • Failure to monitor or respond to fetal distress
  • Not treating jaundice
  • Using excessive force with birth-assisting tools
  • Improper usage of anesthesia
  • Oxygen deprivation due to a slow delivery

What can you do?

If you or a loved one suffered an injury during childbirth, such as cerebral palsy, and are now dealing with complications related to that injury, it is important to explore your legal rights and see if you have a medical malpractice claim. Birth injury litigation can be complex; our cerebral palsy attorneys have a network of other professionals, from medical experts to financial experts.  Please contact Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC at 616.278.0888 to learn more about compensation to which you may be entitled, email us, or complete our consultation request form.