Albuquerque Cerebral Palsy Attorney

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, often before, during, or shortly after birth. The condition is permanent and non-progressive, meaning it does not worsen over time, but its symptoms can vary greatly in severity.

There are four main types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic CP: The most common type, characterized by stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes.
• Dyskinetic CP: Causes involuntary movements, often twisting or repetitive.
• Ataxic CP: Affects balance and coordination.
• Mixed CP: A combination of two or more types.

While some children with cerebral palsy experience only mild symptoms, others may require lifelong care and support.

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy from Medical Malpractice

Cerebral palsy can result from genetic factors or unavoidable complications, but in many cases, it is caused by preventable medical errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. When medical professionals fail to uphold the standard of care, they may be held legally responsible for the resulting harm.

Examples of medical malpractice that can lead to cerebral palsy include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress: Not responding to signs that the baby is in distress can deprive the brain of oxygen (hypoxia).
• Improper use of delivery tools: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause head trauma.
• Delayed C-section: Waiting too long to perform a cesarean delivery when medically necessary.
• Negligent prenatal care: Failing to diagnose and treat infections, such as meningitis, or maternal conditions like preeclampsia.
• Failure to prevent or treat jaundice: Severe untreated jaundice can lead to a dangerous condition known as kernicterus, which can cause brain damage.

If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by negligent medical care, you have the right to pursue a birth injury claim. An experienced Albuquerque cerebral palsy attorney at Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm can help you gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.

Long-Term Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact a child’s development, independence, and overall quality of life. The long-term effects often include:

• Mobility challenges: Difficulty walking or moving without assistance; some children may require wheelchairs or mobility aids.
• Speech and communication issues: Delays in speech development or the inability to speak clearly.
• Feeding and swallowing difficulties: Risk of malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia.
• Cognitive impairments: Some children may experience intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties.
• Seizure disorders: Epilepsy is common in children with cerebral palsy.
• Muscle and joint problems: Contractures, scoliosis, and chronic pain can develop over time.

These effects often require extensive medical care, therapy, special education, and adaptive equipment, which can be financially overwhelming for families.

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan can help improve a child’s functional abilities and quality of life. Treatment options typically include:

• Physical therapy: Improves motor skills, balance, and muscle strength.
• Occupational therapy: Helps with daily tasks and promotes independence.
• Speech therapy: Enhances communication and feeding abilities.
• Medications: Used to manage muscle stiffness, pain, or seizures.
• Surgical interventions: May be necessary to correct musculoskeletal problems or reduce spasticity.
• Assistive devices: Wheelchairs, braces, communication boards, and other adaptive tools.

Families often face ongoing medical costs, home modifications, and specialized education services. Through a successful legal claim, you may be able to recover compensation to support your child’s lifelong needs.

Cerebral Palsy FAQs

How do I know if my child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence?

It can be difficult to determine without a legal and medical investigation. Our Albuquerque cerebral palsy attorneys work with medical experts to analyze your medical records and identify whether malpractice occurred.

What damages can I recover in a cerebral palsy lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages (if you had to leave work to care for your child), pain and suffering, and more.

Is there a time limit to file a cerebral palsy claim in New Mexico?

Yes, New Mexico has a statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. Typically, you have three years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury to file a claim, though exceptions may apply for minors. It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

How long does a cerebral palsy case take to resolve?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but it can take several months to a few years. Our team at Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm is committed to keeping you informed and moving your case forward efficiently.

Will I need to go to court?

Many cerebral palsy cases are settled out of court, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation your child deserves.

Speak with an Albuquerque Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Today

At Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm, we are passionate about advocating for families affected by preventable birth injuries. If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy resulted from medical negligence, we are here to help you seek justice and secure the financial resources your child needs now and in the future.

Our Albuquerque cerebral palsy attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact us today at (505) 295-2245 to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.