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Rockford Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Committed to Helping Rockford Families Affected by Cerebral Palsy
A Rockford cerebral palsy lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Law advocates for families whose children developed cerebral palsy(CP) due to medical negligence during birth. This condition, often caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after delivery, can result in lifelong challenges.
Our Rockford birth injury lawyers can help you hold negligent parties accountable and secure compensation for medical care, therapy, and long-term support.
Verdicts and Settlements from Our CP Cases in Rockford
With a proven track record of advocating for birth injury victims, our lawyers provide compassionate legal representation and have recovered millions for families affected by medical malpractice, oxygen deprivation, and delivery errors, including:
- $20,300,000 for a child who suffered severe brain damage and cognitive impairment due to birth injuries. The child will require lifelong medical care, and the settlement was paid by the attending OB-GYN and hospital responsible for the negligence.
- $11,250,000 in a birth injury lawsuit for a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy after experiencing oxygen deprivation during the delivery process.
- $6,140,000 for a family whose baby suffered brain damage leading to cerebral palsy due to a physician’s failure to monitor fetal distress in a mother past her due date. The medical team failed to recommend a C-section despite warning signs. The child now requires 24-hour care due to the severity of his condition.
Types and Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. It affects muscle tone, movement, and coordination and often leads to permanent disabilities.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic cerebral palsy – The most common type, causing stiff, tight muscles, making movement difficult.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy – Affects balance and coordination, leading to tremors and difficulty with fine motor skills.
- Mixed cerebral palsy – A combination of different CP types, resulting in a range of movement impairments.
Causes Related to Birth Injuries
- Oxygen deprivation – A lack of oxygen during labor can cause brain damage leading to CP.
- Head trauma – Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause serious birth injuries.
- Failure to monitor fetal distress – Delayed responses to signs of distress, such as an elevated heart rate, can lead to irreversible brain injury.
When is a Lawsuit Justified?
A cerebral palsy lawsuit may be appropriate if there is evidence that medical negligence during the birth process caused the child’s condition. If a healthcare provider failed to properly monitor fetal distress, respond to oxygen deprivation, or perform a necessary C-section, their actions may have led to preventable brain damage.
Mistakes such as improper use of forceps, medication errors, or delayed delivery interventions can result in a child developing cerebral palsy.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You File a CP Lawsuit in Illinois
Filing a cerebral palsy lawsuit requires strong evidence and expert testimony to prove medical negligence. Our Rockford lawyers guide families through every step of the process, including:
- Gathering medical records – We obtain birth records, fetal monitoring data, and hospital reports to identify possible medical errors.
- Consulting with medical experts – Specialists review your child’s medical records to determine whether oxygen deprivation, head trauma, or improper delivery techniques caused the condition.
- Filing the lawsuit and serving the defendants – Once we establish a case, we file the lawsuit against the parties responsible, such as the negligent doctor or medical facility.
- Discovery, settlement negotiations, and trial – We exchange evidence, take expert depositions, and negotiate with the insurance company. If a fair compensation offer isn’t reached, we take the case to trial.
Potential Compensation in a Rockford Cerebral Palsy Case
Families of children with cerebral palsy may be entitled to compensation for the significant financial and emotional burdens they face, such as:
- Medical expenses – Covers hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and future treatments.
- Ongoing care costs – Includes occupational therapy, physical therapy, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages – Compensation for parents who must leave work or reduce hours to care for their child.
- Pain and suffering – Addresses the child’s physical challenges and emotional distress.
- Home modifications – Covers expenses for wheelchair ramps, specialized beds, and accessibility improvements.
Statute of Limitations for Cerebral Palsy Claims in Illinois
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits, including cerebral palsy cases, is generally two years from the date the injury was discovered (735 ILCS 5/13-212). However, special rules apply to personal injury cases regarding minors.
For a child’s cerebral palsy lawsuit, parents can file a claim at any time before the child’s eighth birthday, regardless of when the injury was discovered. After age eight, the standard two-year rule applies.
Why You Need a Specialized Rockford Cerebral Palsy Attorney
Filing a cerebral palsy claim requires extensive experience in the legal system. Insurance companies often try to deny liability or offer low settlements.
A specialized lawyer will fight for the maximum compensation to cover your child’s medical bills, lost wages, and future treatments. If your child suffered injuries due to medical negligence, an attorney can help you pursue compensation and protect your family’s future.
FAQs About Cerebral Palsy Cases in Winnebago County
How Do I Know If My Child’s CP Was Caused by Medical Negligence?
Determining if medical negligence caused your child’s cerebral palsy requires a thorough investigation. Signs of malpractice may include oxygen deprivation during birth, failure to perform a C-section, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, or failure to monitor fetal distress. A lawyer can review medical records, consult with experts, and gather evidence to determine if a medical professional’s mistake contributed to your child’s condition.
What Legal Steps Should I Take If I Suspect Medical Malpractice?
If you suspect medical malpractice, gather medical records and document any concerns about the delivery process. Then, contact a Rockford cerebral palsy lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation. An attorney can work with medical experts to review your case, identify liable parties, and determine whether you should pursue compensation through a cerebral palsy claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rockford CP Lawyer?
Most cerebral palsy lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if your attorney wins your case. This allows families to seek justice without financial risk. At Rosenfield Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve a Cerebral Palsy Case?
The length of a cerebral palsy lawsuit depends on factors like the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to settle, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases settle in months, while others take several years if litigation is required. A Rockford CP attorney will guide you through the legal process and work toward securing fair compensation as efficiently as possible.
Will My Child Have to Testify in Court?
In most cases, children do not have to testify in birth injury cases. Instead, attorneys rely on medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements to prove the legal case. If testimony is needed, an attorney will protect your child’s rights and minimize their involvement in the legal process.
What Is a “Life Care Plan”?
A Life Care Plan is a detailed report created by medical and financial experts outlining the long-term medical, therapy, and daily care needs of a child with cerebral palsy. It includes estimated costs for medical treatment, occupational therapy, assistive devices, home modifications, and future care expenses.
Consult Rockford Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Near You!
If your child suffered cerebral palsy due to medical negligence, you deserve experienced legal representation. At Rosenfield Injury Lawyers, our Rockford birth injury lawyers have successfully handled cerebral palsy cases, helping families hold responsible parties accountable and seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and lifelong care.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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“I recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. From the first phone call to the final settlement meeting J.Rosenfeld and his staff treated me with kindness, compassion, understanding and respect, even through my worst frustrations in dealing with the unfortunate circumstances of my accident. J. Rosenfeld always responded in a timely manner to even my smallest concerns. He and his staff worked hard for me on my case and were thorough in explaining the limitations of the insurance settlements and remained cheerful and informative despite my anger and frustration with the circumstances of my case. I hope I never have to go through this experience again, but if I find myself, a family member or a friend facing an injury that requires legal assistance, I will definitely recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld and his associates.”
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