Chicago Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Compensation for Families and Children with Spastic Diplegia 

A Chicago spastic diplegia cerebral palsy lawyer can help families whose children are living with this form of cerebral palsy, which primarily affects the legs rather than all four limbs. Spastic diplegia causes muscle stiffness and tightness that can interfere with walking, coordination, and balance. 

These challenges can make everyday activities more difficult and significantly impact quality of life. Although symptoms vary, many individuals face widespread motor impairments that require long-term care and support.

If spastic diplegia CP in your or your loved one’s case resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a cerebral palsy lawyer in Chicago. 

What is Cerebral Palsy?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect a person’s voluntary movement and muscle tone. It results from brain damage that occurs early in a child’s development, often before or during birth. 

People with CP may experience movement problems and challenges with coordination, posture, and muscle control, making everyday activities more difficult. While the condition varies in severity, early intervention and accurate diagnosis, and supportive therapies can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

Types of Cerebral Palsy

The major types of cerebral palsy include spastic CP, dyskinetic cerebral palsies/dystonic cerebral palsies, ataxic CP, and mixed cerebral palsy.  

Spastic diplegia is one of the most common forms and one of the most severe forms of cerebral palsy, primarily affecting the leg muscles. This type leads to increased muscle stiffness (as opposed to low muscle tone in other types of cerebral palsy) and permanently tightened muscles in the legs, causing significant muscle stiffness and movement disorders.   

The condition can also impact coordination, balance, and functional abilities, leading to jerky movements, involuntary movements, and challenges in motor skills and performing daily tasks.  

Additionally, spastic diplegia may be associated with developmental and intellectual disabilities, requiring a multidisciplinary team approach to manage the various aspects of the disorder effectively. 

Causes of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The primary causes and risk factors of spastic cerebral palsy can be categorized into prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors.

Prenatal Factors 

Prenatal factors are those that occur before birth and significantly contribute to spastic cerebral palsy. These include:

• Premature Babies and Low Birth Weight
• Maternal Infections
• Genetic Factors 

Perinatal Factors

Perinatal factors occur during the birth process and can cause significant brain injury, leading to spastic cerebral palsy. These include:

• Birth Complications
• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
• Prolonged Delivery

Postnatal Factors 

Postnatal factors arise after birth and can lead to spastic cerebral palsy through various mechanisms. These include:

• Brain Injuries
• Infections
• Stroke in Early Childhood
• Lack of Adequate Medical Care 

Challenges Faced by Individuals with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

Living with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy presents various challenges that affect different aspects of daily life. Understanding these challenges can help individuals and their families seek the appropriate support and resources needed to improve quality of life.

Physical Limitations

Individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy often struggle with mobility, coordination, and balance. These physical limitations make it difficult to walk, run, or perform everyday tasks independently, sometimes requiring the use of assistive devices like braces or wheelchairs.

Medical Needs

Ongoing medical care from the child’s doctor is essential for managing spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Regular therapies, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, help improve motor functions, while assistive devices such as speech generators or mobility aids support daily functioning and enhance independence.

Developmental and Educational Needs

Spastic diplegia can impact learning and cause children with CP to miss developmental milestones, necessitating specialized education and support services. Most children with spastic diplegia can benefit from individualized education plans (IEPs) and access to resources that address developmental needs.   

Social and Emotional Impact

The social and emotional challenges of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy can affect both individuals and their families. For adults and children with cerebral palsy, navigating social interactions, coping with frustration from physical limitations, and managing emotional stress are common, highlighting the need for strong support networks and counseling services. 

Legal Help for Spastic Diplegia Cases in Chicago

If you or a loved one is living with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy caused by someone else’s negligence, you need experienced legal support. Our Chicago-based attorneys understand the unique challenges you face and are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. 

When to Seek Legal Advice for Spastic CP Claims

If you suspect that spastic cerebral palsy was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to know when to seek legal advice. Here are some situations where consulting a lawyer can make a significant difference in your case:

Suspected Medical Malpractice

If medical negligence during pregnancy or childbirth contributed to your child’s spastic cerebral palsy, it’s crucial to seek legal help by Chicago-based medical malpractice attorneys. Medical professionals have a duty to provide a standard level of care, and failing to do so can result in serious consequences. 

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries, such as oxygen deprivation or physical trauma during delivery, can lead to cerebral palsy. These injuries may result from complications that arise when medical staff do not adhere to proper procedures. Our Chicago birth injury attorneys can help you file such claims. 

Other Negligence Cases

Accidents or falls that cause brain injuries resulting in spastic cerebral palsy may also warrant legal attention. Whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other incident where someone else’s actions led to your injury, a Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case. 

What a Chicago Spastic Diplegia Lawyer Can Do

When dealing with spastic diplegia CP caused by someone else’s negligence, having a skilled Chicago lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s how our attorneys can support you and children with spastic diplegia:

• Investigating the cause of your CP
• Gathering medical evidence/medical history  
• Establishing liability
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing a lawsuit (if necessary) 

Navigating a spastic diplegia CP claim requires expertise and dedication. Let our experienced Chicago lawyers guide you through every step of the legal process to ensure you receive the support and compensation you need. 

Seeking Compensation for Spastic Diplegia

If spastic diplegia CP is caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to help manage the challenges that come with this condition. Common types of recoverable damages include the following:

Types of Cerebral Palsy Damages 

Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover all medical costs related to diagnosing, treating, and managing spastic diplegia. 

Lost Earning Capacity: If spastic diplegia affects your ability to work, you may receive compensation for the effect it has on your future earning capacity. 

Cost of Therapies and Assistive Devices: Damages may include the expenses for necessary therapies such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as assistive devices like wheelchairs, braces, and mobility aids that help improve your quality of life.

Home Modifications: Adjustments to your living environment, such as installing ramps, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms, can be covered to accommodate the needs of someone with spastic diplegia. 

Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation can address the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by children with spastic diplegia. This includes managing the social and emotional challenges that come with having a neurological disorder and dealing with associated conditions. 

The Importance of Lifetime Care Costs

Spastic diplegia often requires lifelong care and support, leading to significant long-term expenses. Ensuring that your compensation includes lifetime care costs is essential for covering ongoing medical treatment options, physical therapies, assistive devices, and home modifications.  

If you or a loved one is dealing with spastic diplegia caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced team can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve to support your long-term needs. 

Finding the Right Lawyer in Chicago

Choosing the right lawyer is crucial when pursuing a spastic diplegia cerebral palsy claim. The right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve.

Experience and Expertise

When selecting a lawyer, it’s essential to find someone with specific experience in the areas that directly impact your case:

Birth Injury Cases: Look for lawyers who have handled birth injury cases involving medical conditions like spastic diplegia. Birth injuries, such as oxygen deprivation or physical trauma during delivery, can lead to cerebral palsy and require specialized legal knowledge.

Medical Malpractice: A lawyer with a background in medical malpractice understands the complexities of proving negligence in medical settings. This expertise is vital when your child’s developing brain was affected by medical professionals’ errors, resulting in spastic diplegia CP. 

Cerebral Palsy Claims: Attorneys experienced specifically in cerebral palsy claims are familiar with the major types of CP and the four functional classification systems commonly used to describe the issues and common symptoms associated with these disorders. A lawyer understands how to assess the situation and build your claim.  

Compassion and Communication

Beyond expertise, the right lawyer should also provide compassionate support and maintain clear, regular communication:

Understanding the Challenges of Spastic Diplegia: Choose a lawyer who comprehends the daily challenges faced by children with cerebral palsy such as stiff arm and leg muscles and issues with muscle tone. 

Provides Compassionate Support: Dealing with spastic diplegia involves emotional and financial strain. A compassionate lawyer will offer the support you need, recognizing the impact on your family and striving to ease your burden.

Communicates Clearly and Regularly: Effective communication is crucial. Your lawyer should keep you informed about your case’s progress, explain legal terms in an understandable way, and be available to answer your questions. 

Whether dealing with spastic diplegia or other forms of cerebral palsy, having a knowledgeable and supportive attorney by your side can significantly enhance your chances of securing the compensation needed for medical treatments, physical therapies, and improving your child’s quality of life.

Secure Professional Legal Representation

Children with spastic diplegia face numerous challenges, from managing stiff muscles and increased muscle tone to addressing intellectual and developmental disabilities. When these conditions result from someone else’s negligence, securing the right compensation is essential.

Our experienced Chicago spastic diplegia lawyers understand the complexities of different types of CP cases, including spastic hemiplegia and spastic dyskinetic CP, and are dedicated to helping children with spastic diplegia achieve the support they need. 

Contact us today to discuss your case and obtain the legal assistance you deserve. Call (888) (888) 424–5757 or complete our online contact form to book a free consultation.  

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.