Skip to Content
Contact Form Map & Directions Videos

Tallahassee Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

The disorders grouped under the term cerebral palsy (CP) affect a child’s ability to control muscle movements, making it difficult or impossible to accomplish many tasks the rest of us take for granted. Some forms of CP also cause a child to suffer seizures, intellectual disabilities, and difficulties with hearing, speech, and vision.

There is no cure.

Early intervention, treatment, and therapy can improve functioning to some degree, but those with cerebral palsy often require special assistance for their entire lives. A Tallahassee cerebral palsy lawyer at Searcy Denney helps families obtain the resources they need to care for a child suffering from cerebral palsy caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of others

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

According to the Centers for Disease Control, cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain or abnormal brain development. In the vast majority of cases, this damage occurs before or during birth. In some instances, CP results from a head injury or illness (such as meningitis) after birth.

Possible causes of CP include:

  • Damage to the head or skull during delivery
  • Disruption of blood flow to the brain in utero
  • Toxins ingested during pregnancy
  • Complications during delivery (particularly premature delivery)
  • Infections or medical conditions experienced by the mother during pregnancy

When a medical mistake that could have been prevented causes cerebral palsy, a Tallahassee cerebral palsy lawyer can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the child and family to help meet their expenses and future needs.

For instance, an attorney can seek damages if medical staff failed to monitor fetal development or misdiagnosed maternal conditions during pregnancy, if a doctor used excessive force with a vacuum extractor or forceps, if professionals failed to order a Cesarean section in time to prevent brain damage, or if anyone did something that deprived the baby of oxygen before or during birth. If head trauma after birth was the cause of CP, such as in a car accident or a caregiver’s slip and fall, the party responsible for the injury could be held liable for the effects of CP.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

While there are four main types of cerebral palsy, approximately 80% of people with CP disorders suffer from spastic cerebral palsy. This causes muscles to stiffen, making them difficult to move. Spastic muscles may be located mainly in the legs (spastic diplegia), along one side of the body (spastic hemiplegia), or over most of the body (spastic quadriplegia).

Dyskinetic CP causes uncontrollable movements that can be slow (writhing) or rapid (jerking). When dyskinetic CP affects the face and tongue, it causes difficulty swallowing and talking. Muscle tone can vary rapidly from too tight or too loose all in a single day.

The other two main types of CP are ataxic cerebral palsy which affects balance and coordination, and mixed cerebral palsy, particularly spastic-dyskinetic CP.

A Tallahassee Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Helps Fight for Justice for Your Family

When you are caring for a child with cerebral palsy or a child who is not reaching developmental milestones and may be suffering from CP or another medical condition, all your time and energy goes toward meeting the child’s daily needs. But you also need to think of future needs.

A dedicated Tallahassee cerebral palsy lawyer can investigate to find answers and help hold responsible parties accountable for mistakes that caused your child’s brain damage and cerebral palsy. Your attorney can advocate for compensation to cover costs for care now and meet long-term needs later. To find out more about how the knowledgeable legal team at Searcy Denney Tallahassee could assist you, call us at 888-549-7011 or contact us online for a free consultation and case evaluation.  We also serve Albany, Valdosta, Pensacola, Macon, and Fort Walton Beach.

Hear What Our Clients Have To Say

"Cannot say enough about Mr. Ward and his team. Joanna and Mr. Ward helped me through a very difficult time while being extremely professional and prompt. I would highly recommend."
Posted By: Samantha Saundry