cerebral palsy attorneys Palsy Lawsuit Settlements
Cerebral palsy lawsuit settlements could aid families in covering the cost of treatment and care for their child. The average family will need upwards of $1 million to cover a lifetime of medical expenses associated with cerebral palsy.
Although each case is unique, most cerebral palsy lawsuits have similar steps. In a free case review, an experienced lawyer can determine if you have a legitimate claim.
Statute of Limitations
Cerebral dysplasia is a serious condition that can have a long-lasting impact on children and their families. Children with cerebral palsy are subject to numerous medical costs. This could range from therapy to specialized equipment. In the most severe cases, children with cerebral palsy may require round-the 24-hour or part-time treatment. Obtaining compensation can help cover these expenses.
A cerebral palsy suit can be a complicated legal process and it is crucial to know the laws of your state regarding medical malpractice claims. Many states have statutes that restrict the time in which you are able to bring a lawsuit following an illegal event. If you miss the deadline, your case will be dismissed by the court.
Although the laws of each state vary slightly, they all allow citizens to pursue personal injury lawsuits which include those related to medical malpractice. If you suspect that the medical professional or facility has injured your child and caused their CP it is crucial to contact a skilled cerebral palsy lawyer as soon as you can to ensure that you have enough time to make claims.
Kansas for instance, allows two years to pass from the date the malpractice. Kentucky is one of the states that is more strict when it comes to this kind of case and only allows citizens to discover the damage within a year.
Gathering Evidence
Physical and occupational therapy is usually needed for patients suffering from cerebral palsy. Parents might have to alter their homes or purchase special equipment, like wheelchairs. These expenses can be very expensive and a lawsuit may assist the family to receive compensation to pay for the medical bills and increase their child’s quality of life.
A medical malpractice lawsuit is typically dependent on whether a physician’s actions or decisions fell below the standard of care under the circumstances. Your lawyer will review your child’s birth, pregnancy, and early infancy records and other evidence to determine if the CP symptoms could have been prevented by more effective medical treatment.
Your lawyer will also talk to your child’s doctors and other health professionals regarding your child’s medical treatment in addition to the CP symptoms. They will analyze the evidence and prepare the case for trial. This could include obtaining expert witness testimony to support your claims and refuting the defense’s arguments.
If medical experts confirm that your child’s CP was the result of negligence on the part of a doctor, your lawyer will file an action in civil court with the local court. Depending on your state’s laws you may be given only a short time to submit an action. Your lawyer will explain these rules to you. If you fail to file your claim within the timeframe set by the statute of limitations your claim will be thrown out.
Case Filing
When a medical mistake during pregnancy, childbirth or shortly after birth results in your child’s cerebral palsy, you might be eligible to bring a lawsuit and seek compensation for damages. A successful claim for a cerebral palsy settlement can cover your family’s expenses that include ongoing treatment and care costs.
An experienced lawyer will review your case to determine whether you have a solid legal claim against the medical professionals responsible for your child’s injuries. Your lawyer will then collect every kind of evidence to support your claim. These could include scans of your child’s brain and medical records of both the mother and child, reports from those who witnessed your child’s birthing process, and other evidence. Once the initial evidence has been collected and your lawyer has completed the formal process, you will present your lawsuit to the court. You will be the plaintiff, and the doctor and hospital that caused your child’s injuries will become the defendant.
Your cerebral palsy issue could be resolved within a few months when the defendant accepts responsibility. However, if the defendants contest liability or your child’s injuries are severe, you might need to go to trial. During the trial, your lawyer will present all evidence in your case to a judge or jury who will issue an opinion on the amount of liability and fairness of compensation for the loss of your child.
Trial
After your lawyer has gathered all the relevant information and documents, they can start filing your case. They will send an demand letter to defendants asking them to compensate you and your family for the losses resulting from the medical negligence. The defendants will be given an amount of time to reply, usually within 30 days.
The next phase of the legal procedure is discovery. This is the time when both sides prepare documents and evidence to support their side of the truth. Your lawyer will work with medical experts and witness to gather additional evidence to support your case. After this the court will typically convene pre-trial conference meetings to discuss the case and determine if it is ready to go to trial.
A large number of cases of medical negligence are settled through settlement agreements rather than a trial verdict. It is quicker and less expensive for both parties. Your lawyer will do their best to reach an equitable settlement. This amount must consider your child’s long-term expenses and losses.
Many families with children who suffer from CP feel secure knowing that their medical personnel was held accountable for their actions. This can help families redefine themselves and move forward in confidence. It could also help to raise awareness of other families in similar circumstances.