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Cerebral Palsy and Medical Malpractice in Illinois

Written by: Michael J. Helfand

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Posted over 2 years ago. Applies to Illinois, 1 helpful vote, 0 comments

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What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy, or CP, is a condition that affects development, intellectual capacity, motor skills and muscle control. It is permanent and non-progressive, meaning that CP does not worsen over time. The symptoms of CP, which are usually evident by the age of 2, include involuntary movements, difficulty with balance and walking, and delayed motor skills.

What causes Cerebral Palsy?

CP has two main causes. About half of all CP cases are genetic. The other half are the result of trauma during pregnancy or birth, especially a lack of oxygen to the brain. CP is often seen in conjunction with other disabilities.

How do I know if malpractice was the cause?

If you decide to pursue a medical malpractice claim, an expert will review your case. The expert will give his or her opinion on whether the doctor acted negligently and if so, whether that negligence caused the CP. Ultimately, it’s up to the judge and jury.

Should I sue the doctor?

This is a very personal decision. If you sue, you may be able to recover for things such as the high costs of raising a child with CP. However, a lawsuit can be emotionally draining and take a very long time. Either way, it’s best to make an informed decision. Sit down with a medical malpractice attorney and go over your options.

Additional Resources

If you have been affected by cerebral palsy and are considering a medical malpractice lawsuit in Illinois, give us a call. We know attorneys in Chicago and across the state who can help. We only recommend those who have significant experience in these types of cases.

Illinois medical malpractice attorneys

Cerebral palsy cases in Illinois