Chicago Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Living with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy presents unique challenges, especially when the condition results from someone else’s negligence. Our dedicated Chicago lawyers specialize in advocating for individuals and families affected by this form of cerebral palsy. 

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens you face and are committed to helping you secure the compensation and support you deserve. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy lawyer.

What is Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy?

Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is the most severe type of cerebral palsy, affecting all four limbs – both arms and legs – as well as the torso. Individuals with this condition experience significant muscle stiffness and tightness, which can severely limit their movement and coordination. 

In addition to motor challenges, spastic quadriplegia often comes with intellectual disabilities and seizures, further impacting daily life and independence. This comprehensive impact requires extensive medical care and supportive therapies to help those affected achieve the best possible quality of life.

Causes of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is a movement disorder that impacts muscle control and tone, often resulting in stiff or tight muscles. There are several factors that can contribute to its development, which can occur before, during, or after birth.  

Prenatal Factors

During pregnancy, a range of prenatal issues can affect the developing brain and potentially lead to spastic cerebral palsy. Maternal infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, can increase the risk, while genetic abnormalities and complications with fetal brain development may also play a role. 

Maternal health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can further add to these concerns, potentially causing abnormal brain development or fetal strokes that impact the central nervous system.

Perinatal Factors

Complications during labor and delivery are significant contributors to spastic cerebral palsy. Oxygen deprivation, known as hypoxia, is one of the most severe risks during birth. This condition can cause brain injury, leading to increased muscle tone or movement disorders. 

Premature birth and low birth weight are additional factors that place infants at higher risk of developing spastic quadriplegic CP, which affects all four limbs (as opposed to two limbs) and has the potential to impact the child’s entire body, including facial muscles.

Postnatal Factors

After birth, certain events can lead to spastic CP, such as brain damage caused by trauma, severe infections like meningitis, or strokes. These issues can result in stiff muscles, difficulty swallowing, and even developmental disabilities. 

Recognizing the risk factors and causes of spastic cerebral palsy helps prompt early evaluation and treatment, which can make a tremendous difference for children with CP and their families. If you have questions about your situation and whether you’re entitled to compensation, contact us to schedule a free consultation. 

Medical Malpractice and Spastic Quadriplegia

Spastic quadriplegia is one of the most severe forms of cerebral palsy. In some cases, negligence during labor and delivery can lead to this condition. 

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries that involve hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), fetal strokes, or brain or spinal cord trauma can cause lasting damage, resulting in cerebral palsy or even spastic quadriplegia. 

When medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care during labor and delivery, the child may suffer from abnormal development, tense muscles, or even severe issues such as seizures. These problems can disrupt normal development and lead to spastic CP or other forms of cerebral palsy. 

Examples of Negligence

Several types of medical errors can contribute to spastic quadriplegia in children with spastic CP. These include a failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors, delayed decisions to perform a C-section, or poor handling of respiratory complications. 

Neglecting to address issues like blood clots, fetal strokes, or signs of prolonged oxygen deprivation can result in damage to the brain and spinal cord, leading to shortened muscles, muscle stiffness during voluntary movement, and other common symptoms of spastic CP. 

Proving Medical Malpractice

To prove medical negligence in cases involving children with CP, certain elements need to be demonstrated.

First, it’s essential to establish that a standard of care was owed to the child and mother during delivery. Second, evidence must show that this standard of care was breached, whether through delayed actions, improper procedures, or failure to diagnose warning signs like HIE.

Third, it must be proven that this breach directly caused the child’s condition – such as spastic CP, spastic quadriplegia, or other abnormal development.  Finally, the injured party must show that they experienced damages, like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other financial losses. 

Proving these elements ensures that families can seek the compensation necessary to support treatments like PT, speech therapy, occupational therapy, selective dorsal rhizotomy procedures, or assistive communication devices for children needing specialized care.

Proving medical malpractice not only holds healthcare providers accountable but also helps families better treat children dealing with CP and improve their lives. Physical therapists, child development specialists, and legal advocates can work together to provide the resources and support your child needs to thrive. 

The Role of a Chicago Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

When a child is diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, families often face overwhelming challenges related to medical care, therapy, and improving life quality. A lawyer experienced in cases involving CP can be an invaluable partner for families as they seek justice and compensation. Here’s why working with a professional is so important:

Legal Expertise

Cerebral palsy cases, especially those involving spastic quadriplegia, frequently stem from complications during labor and delivery, such as HIE or fetal strokes. It is essential to have a lawyer well-versed in birth injury law who understands these issues and knows how to prove negligence.  

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

One of the most important responsibilities of a lawyer in these cases is conducting a thorough investigation into the events that led to the child’s CP diagnosis. They will systematically review medical records for errors during pregnancy, delivery, or newborn care. 

Consulting with medical experts is a key part of this process – they can verify whether mistakes like improper use of delivery tools or failure to address respiratory complications caused the child’s condition. 

Negotiation and Litigation

A skilled medical malpractice attorney will work tirelessly to negotiate with healthcare providers and their insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your child’s care. This includes covering treatments like physical therapy, speech therapy, or even surgeries like selective dorsal rhizotomy to relax muscles and improve motor function.

If an agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer will litigate the case in court, presenting evidence of the medical negligence that disrupted your child’s normal development. They will advocate for the resources needed to address all issues related to the condition.

Children with spastic CP, especially those with severe CP, require comprehensive care involving physical therapists, assistive communication devices, and age-appropriate toys designed for developmental needs. 

A Chicago spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy attorney can help families afford these essentials by holding negligent medical providers accountable. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.  

Seeking Compensation for Spastic CP

Discovering that your child has spastic quadriplegic CP can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Seeking compensation through a lawsuit can help recover the costs of your child’s care and provide financial support to improve their quality of life.

Types of Damages

Children with spastic CP often require lifelong medical care and assistance, which can be expensive. A lawsuit can help you recover several types of damages, including the following: 

• Medical Expenses: These cover current and future costs such as surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and specialized equipment like wheelchairs or orthotics to help manage the effects of spinal deformities. 
• Therapy Costs: Many children with spastic CP benefit from ongoing therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy to address motor function and other developmental disabilities.  
• Lost Future Earnings: Compensation may account for your child’s diminished ability to work and earn a living later in life. 
• Pain and Suffering: This includes damages for the emotional and physical impact of living with a condition caused by negligence. 

Life Care Plans

A life care plan is a critical tool in cases involving spastic quadriplegic CP. It helps calculate the long-term costs of care, including everything from future medical treatments to assistive technologies and support systems for daily living. A comprehensive life care plan ensures your child’s life is supported both now and in the future. 

Proving Damages

To recover damages, it’s essential to present clear and convincing evidence of how your child’s condition impacts their life. This often includes expert testimony from medical professionals who specialize in conditions like ataxic CP or spastic quadriplegia.

Additionally, medical records detailing your child’s diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis will help establish the extent of harm. Financial documents and estimates for future care are also critical to demonstrating your family’s financial needs. 

By building a strong case, you can hold negligent providers accountable and secure the resources needed to improve your child’s life. If you have questions or are ready to take action, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to speak with a lawyer experienced in handling spastic CP cases.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If your child has been affected by medical negligence resulting in spastic cerebral palsy, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are here to listen to your concerns and provide clear guidance on your next steps. Our Chicago personal injury attorney team is dedicated to helping families like yours get the compensation necessary to support your child’s care and future. 

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options. Talking to an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in pursuing justice and holding those responsible accountable. Contact us today by calling (888) 424-5757 or completing our online contact form.

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.