Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settlements
Settlements for lawsuits cerebral palsy lawsuits can help families pay for the cost of treatment and care for their child. The average family will need up to $1,000,000 in order to cover all medical costs associated with cerebral palsy throughout an entire lifetime.
While every cerebral palsy lawsuit is unique, the majority of cerebral palsy lawsuits have a similar. A lawyer can evaluate your case during a no-cost consultation.
Statute of Limitations
Cerebral palsy has an impact that lasts for a long time on children, as well as their families. Children with cerebral palsy frequently have extensive medical expenses that range from treatment to equipment that is specialized to therapy. In the most severe cases, children with cerebral palsy may require 24/7 or even part-time care. Compensation may help to cover the expenses.
It is essential to know the laws in your state regarding medical malpractice claims. Many states have statutes that restrict the time in which you are able to make a claim following an unconstitutional event. If you miss the deadline your case will be dismissed by the court.
While the laws of each state may differ slightly however, they all permit citizens to pursue personal injury lawsuits which include those related to medical malpractice. You should contact an attorney for cerebral palsy immediately if you suspect a medical professional or a facility caused your child’s CP.
Kansas for instance, allows two years to expire from the date of the malpractice. Kentucky is one of the more strict states in these kinds of cases. It only gives its citizens one year to find out what caused the harm.
Gathering Evidence
Physical and occupational therapy is frequently required for people suffering from cerebral palsy. Parents may need modify their homes or purchase special equipment, like wheelchairs. These expenses can be very expensive and a lawsuit may help the family receive the compensation needed to cover the medical bills and enhance the quality of life of their child.
A medical malpractice case is usually determined by whether a doctor’s actions or decisions fell short of the standard of care given the circumstances. Your lawyer will review your child’s birth, pregnancy and early infancy documents and other evidence to determine if the CP symptoms could have been avoided with better medical treatment.
Your attorney will also speak with your child’s doctor and other health care professionals regarding the treatment your child receives, as well as the CP symptoms. They will analyze all evidence and prepare for trial. This may include the testimony of an expert witness to prove your case and refuting the defense’s arguments.
If medical experts believe that the CP in your child was the result of medical negligence and your lawyer files an action with the local court. Depending on your state’s laws you may be given a limited amount of time to file a claim. Your attorney will explain these rules to you. If you do not file your claim within the statute of limitations, your claim will be rejected.
Case Filing
If a medical lapse during childbirth, pregnancy, or in the first few weeks following birth caused your child to develop cerebral palsy you could be able to bring a lawsuit and seek compensation for the damages. If you win your case, the settlement for cerebral palsy may be enough to cover your family’s costs which includes continuing care and treatment.
An experienced lawyer will evaluate your case and determine whether you have a valid claim against the medical professionals responsible for your child’s injuries. Your lawyer will then collect all the evidence necessary to prove your case. These could include medical records for both parents, witness accounts of the birth of your child, and other evidence. Your lawyer will file your lawsuit after the initial evidence is gathered. You will be the plaintiff, and lawsuits the hospital and doctor who caused the injuries suffered by your child will become the defendant.
The cerebral palsy situation could be resolved in a couple of months if the defendant accepts responsibility. If the defendants dispute liability, or the injuries sustained by your child are serious the case may have to go through a trial. During trial your attorney will present the evidence to a judge or jury who will determine liability and the amount of compensation your child will be awarded.
Trial
After your lawyer has collected all the relevant information the attorney can commence filing your case. They will send the defendants a demand note asking them to compensate you family and yourself for any damages related to medical negligence. The defendants will have an amount of time to respond, normally approximately 30 days.
Discovery is the next stage of the legal process. Both sides will draft documents to support their position. Your attorney will collaborate with medical experts and witness to gather additional evidence to support your case. After this stage the court will typically hold pre-trial meetings to discuss the case and decide if it is ready for trial.
A large number of cases of medical negligence are resolved through settlement agreements instead of the trial verdict. It is quicker and less costly for both parties. Your lawyer will do everything to assist you in reaching an appropriate settlement amount. The amount you settle for must take into account the long-term costs of your child as well as losses.
Many families with children suffering from CP are reassured knowing that their medical team was accountable for their actions. This can allow families to rethink themselves and move forward with confidence. It could also help raise awareness for other families that might be experiencing similar circumstances.