subject: Faq : Cerebral Palsy Attorney [print this page] The cerebral palsy attorney is comfortable dealing with stressed and scared parents just like you. The attorney is happy to answer your questions. If youre like most people, its helpful to have the answers to your questions in writing so that you can refer back to them. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions provided by a cerebral palsy attorney.
Im scared that my baby may have cerebral palsy; what are the signs?
You may not realize that your baby has cerebral palsy during infancy. Often, it takes a few years for full signs and symptoms to appear. Here are some common signs of cerebral palsy.
Weak muscles
Spastic muscles
Difficulty sitting upright
Uncontrollable shaking and jerking
Difficulty changing positions
Trouble sucking
Tremors
Drooling
Loss of tongue control
Weakened facial muscles
Lack of appropriate fine motor skills (hands and fingers)
Lack of appropriate gross motor skills (arms and legs)
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy has been found to be caused by premature birth, blood disease, maternal infection, jaundice, lack of oxygen and other brain injury. Although lack of oxygen is commonly thought to be cause, it is only the culprit in 10% of all cerebral palsy cases.
How do I know if medical malpractice occurred?
First of all, as the cerebral palsy attorney knows all too well, medical malpractice occurs when a person is injured by a medical professional who does not follow commonly accepted medical practices. In other words, a doctor doesnt do what he is supposed to do. He doesnt follow medical protocols.
There are common signs that malpractice has occurred and they are:
Any medical professional indicates that something has gone wrong or should have been done differently
Your baby is seen by a medical specialist
Your baby scores low on the Apgar test (a score of 1 is very low and a score of 10 is great)
Your baby didnt cry or was blue upon birth
Your baby spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and/or spent more than one night in the hospital
An emergency cesarean was performed about many hours of attempted natural birth
My doctors malpractice carrier says that they will give me $100,000; why should I hire a cerebral palsy attorney?
First of all, insurance companies are not your friend. They make money by paying out the least amount of money possible.
Secondly, $100,000 may seem like a lot of money now, but considering the life-long care that your baby will need, it is likely not appropriate. What if you accept $100,000 but your expenses and damages are ten times that? An attorney will help you to know what you deserve.
Third, a cerebral palsy attorney understands the medical, legal, and insurance systems. She is required ethically and legally to represent your best interests. The insurance company is not.
I feel so alone; where do I get help from cerebral palsy attorneys?
Cerebral palsy attorneys help people just like you every day. They investigate medical cases, interview witnesses, analyze medical files and other evidence, communicate with expert witnesses, file required legal paperwork, answer your legal questions, and provide much needed advice.
It is in your best interest and the best interest of your child to consult with a qualified cerebral palsy attorney.
