Cerebral Palsy & Birth Injury
A cerebral palsy diagnosis is life-changing. If it followed a difficult delivery, it’s worth finding out whether negligence played a role — and what that could mean for your family’s future.
Medically reviewed · By [MEDICAL REVIEWER], [CREDENTIALS] · Sources: CDC, AAP · Legally reviewed by Larry F. Taylor, Jr.
What it is
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone and posture, caused by damage to the developing brain — most often around the time of birth. Severity ranges from mild coordination issues to significant physical and cognitive disability.
Causes
CP is commonly linked to oxygen deprivation (birth asphyxia) during labor and delivery, premature birth, infections, or trauma. According to the CDC, some cases are directly tied to how labor complications were managed.
Signs
- Delayed milestones (rolling over, sitting, walking)
- Stiff or floppy muscle tone
- Unusual posture or favoring one side of the body
- Difficulty with fine motor skills or feeding
Diagnosis
Pediatricians typically diagnose CP through developmental monitoring, neurological exams and imaging (MRI or CT), often by age 2, per AAP guidance.
Treatment
There is no cure, but physical, occupational and speech therapy, medication, orthopedic care and adaptive equipment can significantly improve quality of life — often at substantial lifetime cost.
How negligence causes it
When medical teams fail to monitor fetal distress, delay an emergency C-section, or misuse delivery instruments, the brain can be deprived of oxygen long enough to cause permanent damage. These are the moments our investigations focus on.
Your legal rights
If negligence during labor and delivery contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy, your family may be entitled to compensation for lifetime care. Deadlines to file vary by state — see your state’s page for details.
Compensation
Cerebral palsy cases can involve lifetime therapy, equipment, home modifications, lost future income and pain and suffering. A free case review helps estimate what your family’s claim may be worth.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Cerebral Palsy.” American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), clinical guidance on developmental monitoring. This page is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does every case of cerebral palsy involve malpractice?
No — many cases are not related to labor and delivery care. A medical-legal review of your records is the only way to know.
How much does a cerebral palsy claim cost to pursue?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — no fee unless we win or settle.
How long do these cases take?
Birth injury cases often take longer than typical injury claims due to the medical complexity, but we move as efficiently as the facts allow.