Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer — Fighting for Florida Families Whose Children Were Harmed at Birth
A cerebral palsy diagnosis is life changing. For many Florida families the diagnosis comes weeks or months after birth — and with it comes the devastating realization that their child’s condition may have been caused by a preventable medical error during labor or delivery. If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe something went wrong during birth, you may have a legal claim against the doctor, hospital, or medical team responsible.
At The Maher Law Firm our Florida cerebral palsy birth injury lawyers have spent over 55 years fighting for families whose children were harmed by medical negligence. We have recovered more than $12 billion in verdicts and settlements including substantial results in birth injury and medical malpractice cases. We understand the medical complexity of these cases and we have the resources and expertise to take on hospitals and their insurers and win.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, coordination, and motor skills. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain — most commonly occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood.
There are four main types of cerebral palsy:
Spastic cerebral palsy — the most common form, affecting approximately 80 percent of people with cerebral palsy. Characterized by stiff muscles and awkward movements.
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy — involves uncontrolled, slow, or writhing movements of the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
Ataxic cerebral palsy — affects balance and coordination, causing unsteady walking and difficulty with precise movements.
Mixed cerebral palsy — a combination of symptoms from more than one type, most commonly spastic and dyskinetic.
Cerebral palsy ranges in severity from mild — where a child may walk with slight awkwardness — to severe — where a child may require a wheelchair and lifelong care. There is no cure, but with proper therapy and support many children with cerebral palsy lead fulfilling lives.
Call 407-839-0866 For Your Free Consultation
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Caused by Medical Negligence?
Yes. While some cases of cerebral palsy result from genetic factors or complications beyond anyone’s control, a significant number of cases are caused by preventable medical errors during labor and delivery. The most common cause is oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain — a condition known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or HIE — which can occur when medical staff fail to respond appropriately to complications during birth.
Medical errors that can cause cerebral palsy include:
– Failure to monitor fetal heart rate and identify signs of fetal distress
– Delayed or failure to perform an emergency C-section when indicated
– Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
– Failure to diagnose and treat umbilical cord complications including prolapsed cord or nuchal cord
– Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections such as Group B strep or chorioamnionitis
– Medication errors during labor including improper use of Pitocin or other labor-inducing drugs
– Prolonged labor without appropriate intervention
– Failure to treat newborn jaundice leading to kernicterus and brain damage
Signs Your Child's Cerebral Palsy May Have Been Caused by a Birth Injury
Many families do not immediately connect their child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis to events that occurred during birth. Warning signs that medical negligence may have played a role include:
– Your baby required resuscitation or oxygen at birth
– Your baby had a low Apgar score at birth
– Your baby spent unexpected time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
– Your baby was diagnosed with HIE or brain damage shortly after birth
– Labor was prolonged or there were documented complications during delivery
– An emergency C-section was performed or should have been performed but was delayed
– Your child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis followed a difficult or traumatic delivery
– Doctors or nurses seemed rushed or failed to respond to warning signs during labor
If any of these apply to your family’s situation contact The Maher Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Our Florida cerebral palsy lawyers will review your medical records and help determine whether negligence played a role.
Long-Term Effects of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition. The long-term effects vary significantly depending on the type and severity but can include:
– Difficulty walking, moving, or controlling muscles
– Speech and communication difficulties
– Intellectual disabilities in some cases
– Seizure disorders and epilepsy
– Vision and hearing impairments
– Feeding and swallowing difficulties
– Chronic pain
– The need for lifelong medical care, therapy, and assistive devices
The lifetime cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy can reach millions of dollars. A successful birth injury claim can provide your family with the financial resources needed to give your child the best possible care and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer Florida
Q: How do I know if my child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence?
A: If your child’s cerebral palsy followed a difficult delivery involving oxygen deprivation, delayed C-section, or other complications, medical negligence may be the cause. The Maher Law Firm offers free case evaluations where our attorneys review your medical records and consult with medical experts to determine whether negligence played a role.
Q: How long do I have to file a cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuit in Florida?
A: In Florida birth injury cases involving a minor generally must be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered but no later than eight years from the date of the injury. These deadlines are complex and have exceptions — contact The Maher Law Firm as soon as possible to protect your family’s rights.
Q: What is NICA and how does it affect my cerebral palsy claim in Florida?
A: NICA is Florida’s Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association — a no-fault compensation program that may be the exclusive remedy for certain qualifying birth injuries. Whether NICA applies to your child’s case depends on the specific nature of the injury and whether the delivering physician participated in NICA. The Maher Law Firm evaluates every case for NICA applicability before advising on the best legal path forward.
Q: Can I still file a lawsuit if my child’s cerebral palsy was not diagnosed until years after birth?
A: Yes. Florida law accounts for delayed discovery of birth injuries. The statute of limitations for minors provides additional time beyond the standard deadline. Contact The Maher Law Firm as soon as you suspect a connection between your child’s condition and events during birth.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a Florida cerebral palsy birth injury lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. The Maher Law Firm works on a pure contingency fee basis — you pay zero attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Q: Does The Maher Law Firm handle cerebral palsy cases throughout Florida?
A: Yes. Our Florida cerebral palsy birth injury lawyers represent families throughout Orlando, Winter Park, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and all of Central Florida and the surrounding regions.
Don’t Wait—Get the Compensation You Deserve
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR
Experienced Attorneys That Have Won Over $11 Billion For Their Clients
Get Your Free
Initial Consultation Right Now!
- 407-839-0866
- intakes@maherlawfirm.com
