Cerebral Palsy Lawyer, Oregon

When a child has cerebral palsy, they may need extra care. Our team at Andersen & Linthorst understands that taking care of a child with cerebral palsy can be emotionally challenging and financially difficult. By contacting our Oregon cerebral palsy lawyer, we can let you know if your child’s condition was possibly caused by the failure or mistake of a medical professional or facility. If your child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis points to a birth injury that was preventable, then you may be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit. If you suspect that something may not have been right with your child’s care during pregnancy, delivery, or after birth, then we encourage you to contact our law firm as soon as possible.

Birth Injury Factors

In some cases, cerebral palsy could be the result of a preventable birth injury. This may have been something that went wrong during birth, pregnancy, or the neonatal period. Unfortunately, birth injuries that cause cerebral palsy are often connected to medical malpractice. Doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other medical professionals must always abide by standards of care for pregnancy, labor, and birth. If they make a mistake during care or treatment, it can cause the mother and/or baby to suffer. Risk factors that can increase or cause the risk of cerebral palsy include:

• Birth asphyxia/hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
• Abnormal fetal position/presentation
• Brain bleeds (intracranial hemorrhages)
• Birth trauma
• Forceps and vacuum extractor injuries
• C-section delays and errors
• Low birth weight
• Maternal infections
• Failure to provide fetal monitoring
• Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)
• Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
• Failure to diagnose a high-risk pregnancy
• Prolonged and arrested labor
• Premature birth
• Placental abruption
• Umbilical cord problems
• Twin or multiple pregnancies
• Uterine rupture
• Uterine tachysystole/hyperstimulation

Who May Be Responsible

When assessing your case, our knowledgeable cerebral palsy attorney will investigate to see who may have been responsible for your baby’s cerebral palsy. Medical professionals are required to follow a certain standard of care to prevent harm or injury to an expectant mother and her child. Medical professionals must take actions to prevent birth injuries, provide proper prenatal care, and identify risk factors for birth injuries or cerebral palsy. They are also responsible for becoming aware of potential problems with the mother and/or baby’s condition and taking prompt action right away. Any delays, mistakes, or oversights can lead to a devastating outcome.

Andersen & Linthorst

Our team can imagine the stress you may be under at this very moment. We deeply empathize with parents who should be experiencing the highest joy of their lives, but may not be because a medical professional failed to do their job. At Andersen & Linthorst, parents and their babies who have become victims of medical malpractice are our top priority. If you are wondering whether what you have recently gone through qualifies as medical malpractice, then please reach out today. Once our Oregan cerebral palsy attorney has heard about your situation and what has happened, then we can offer individualized advice on what to do next. If you have grounds for a medical malpractice case, we can get started working for you immediately. We are ready to offer support today.

The Impact Of Cerebral Palsy On Children

An Oregon cerebral palsy lawyer understands that the impact CP has on a child can vary widely, influencing their physical abilities, communication skills, and overall quality of life. Understanding how CP affects a child requires consideration of its diverse manifestations and the challenges it presents in everyday life. If your child has been diagnosed with CP, call Andersen & Linthorst for legal assistance.

Brain

Cerebral palsy originates from abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, often before birth but occasionally during infancy. This damage disrupts the brain’s ability to control muscle movement and coordination effectively. As a result, children with CP may experience difficulties in controlling their muscles, affecting their ability to walk, sit, or even maintain balance. These motor impairments can range from mild to severe, influencing their independence and participation in daily activities.

Motor Skills

Motor challenges significantly impact a child’s physical capabilities. Some may require mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers to move around, while others may struggle with fine motor skills like writing or grasping objects. These limitations can affect their participation in sports, play, and social interactions, potentially leading to feelings of isolation or frustration.

Communication

Beyond physical limitations, CP can affect a child’s communication abilities. Some children may have difficulty speaking clearly due to impaired muscle control in the mouth and throat. Others may rely on alternative communication methods, such as sign language or assistive technology devices, to express themselves. These communication barriers can impact their social interactions and academic performance, requiring specialized support from educators and speech therapists.

Cognitive Development

The challenges posed by CP extend beyond the physical and communicative realms, influencing a child’s cognitive development and emotional well-being. While CP itself does not affect intelligence, some children may experience co-occurring conditions such as learning disabilities or epilepsy, which can further complicate their educational and medical needs. Managing these complexities often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, therapists, and educators to optimize the child’s overall development and quality of life.

Emotionally

Emotionally, children with CP may face unique challenges related to their condition. They may struggle with feelings of frustration over their physical limitations or experience social stigma and bullying due to their differences. Building self-esteem and resilience becomes crucial, often supported through counseling, peer support groups, and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity.

Advocacy Needs

Parental support and advocacy play a pivotal role in a child’s journey with CP. Families often navigate complex healthcare systems, educational services, and accessibility issues to ensure their child receives the necessary support and accommodations. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and community resources empowers families to advocate effectively for their children’s needs and rights. An  Oregon cerebral palsy lawyer can help you navigate this process through whatever legal options you and your family choose.

Call Our Office For Legal Help

Cerebral palsy profoundly affects a child’s life, influencing their physical abilities, communication skills, and emotional well-being. Each child’s experience with CP is unique and characterized by diverse challenges and strengths. The emotional and financial impact CP can have on families can be devastating. This is why it is important to consult with an Oregon cerebral palsy lawyer to find out what legal recourse you may have. Call Andersen & Linthorst today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.

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"It was an absolute pleasure working with this team. They eased my anxiety every step of the way. They were all very professional, kind, understanding and knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone seeking help. Thank you all so much!"
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