Chattanooga Cerebral Palsy
Birth Trauma Attorneys Serving Chattanooga and Beyond
Nearly four million babies are born each year across the country. While most babies are born healthy, there are an unfortunate number of babies who suffer injuries during the birthing process. Cerebral Palsy, one of the most common birth injuries, occurs in nearly 10,000 children each year. One out of every 10 of these babies develops Cerebral Palsy as a result of medical negligence before, during, or immediately after birth. If your child has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy or sustained another birth injury, call our Chattanooga Cerebral Palsy lawyers today for a free legal consultation. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz is the largest plaintiff’s personal injury law firm based in Tennessee, with offices state-wide to serve Tennessee families.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy occurs in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement, hindering balance, movement, and muscle tone. When this part of the brain does not develop as it should or is damaged during labor or delivery, the child may have life-long issues with muscle control, speaking, and walking. A child with Cerebral Palsy may also suffer intellectual disabilities. Symptoms range from mild to severe, with the costs of caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy being as high as $1 million if substantial medical care, therapy, home care, and rehabilitation are necessary.
Many cases of Cerebral Palsy are genetic and unavoidable. Other diagnoses stem from untreated infection before, during, or after birth. Others are caused by head trauma or oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery. In these instances, the brain injury may have been avoided with proper medical treatment and be the basis for a medical malpractice claim.
Seeking Compensation for Cerebral Palsy Victims
If you believe that your child’s Cerebral Palsy was caused by medical neglect or error, contact Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz today to discuss your claim with an experienced Cerebral Palsy attorney in the Chattanooga area. In order to pursue this or any other birth injury claim, you must show that the medical treatment fell below the acceptable standard of care. To prove the liability of a Hamilton County doctor or hospital, you will need an expert witness (such as a licensed medical professional) who can testify to the applicable standard of care and the medical provider’s breach of duty. Did the doctor fail to timely treat an infection? Did the doctor fail to notice distress or other indications of a lack of oxygen in the womb? It will likely be necessary for a medical expert to review each and every medical report from conception until after birth.
Birth injury lawsuits in Tennessee are complex. Cases involving a medical provider’s wrongdoing will fall under the Tennessee Health Care Liability Act, which contains strict notice provisions before suit can be filed. It is critical to properly review the medical records and identify all potentially liable parties. If a defendant is not properly sued, that party may have grounds to get the case dismissed. Lawsuits for birth injuries typically involve multiple defendants and their insurance carriers.
If a Cerebral Palsy lawyer in Chattanooga is able to show medical negligence, next they will need to prove injury and loss. This will depend on the severity of the Cerebral Palsy symptoms and the costs of caring for the child. Considerations include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life. It may again be necessary to employ experts who can testify as to the anticipated costs of lifetime rehabilitation, therapy, and medical care for the child. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz has the resources to hire the medical experts needed to prove your case and the experience to try your case in court if the defendants refuse to make a fair settlement offer.
Speak With an Experienced Birth Injury Attorney Today
If you suspect that your child’s Cerebral Palsy could have been prevented with proper medical care, contact our office today to speak with one of our Chattanooga Cerebral Palsy attorneys. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about Cerebral Palsy and other birth injuries and can discuss your legal rights with you. To date, we have recovered more than $1.5 billion in compensation for injured parties across Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Kentucky. Call us now at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form for a free consultation with a birth injury lawyer today.