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If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by a preventable medical mistake, we’re here to help. Contact us 24/7 at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation, and let us fight for your child’s future.
While cerebral palsy can happen for many reasons, sometimes it’s the result of a medical mistake during birth. What makes this hurt more is that most times this medical negligence, and thus your child’s condition, could have been prevented.
As a parent, you never expected your child’s future to look like this. What should be some of the most cherished years of watching your child grow is now clouded with fear and confusion. Your dreams for your child suddenly feel out of reach, and the road ahead seems uncertain.
You’re not alone in this. Many families share the same heartache, filled with questions about what went wrong and why it happened. If you suspect that medical mistakes played a role in your child’s condition, know that there are ways to hold those responsible accountable and to fight for the support your family deserves.
At Pierce Skrabanek, we can put our 30+ years of combined experience to work for you and your family. Our birth injury attorneys will fight to ensure the well-being of your child is fiercely protected and recover the financial support to set your child up for a successful future.
Get in touch with a Houston cerebral palsy lawyer from our firm today by filling out our quick online form or by calling (832) 690-7000. Your child’s future might look different than you imagined, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
“Everyone at Pierce Skrabanek was so helpful to our case. They worked fast and efficiently and kept us up to date on the status of our case. They helped us a lot and made sure we understood what was happening and why. If you're looking for a great firm then look no further! I can't recommend them enough. They truly changed our lives. Five Stars on all accounts!”
- Samantha S. | Client
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Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a child’s ability to move and control their muscles. It’s caused by damage to the brain, often before or during birth, that affects the areas responsible for motor skills. While cerebral palsy doesn’t get worse over time, it can cause lifelong challenges for a child and their family.
There are three main types of cerebral palsy:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy: This is the most common type. It causes muscles to become stiff and tight, making it hard for the child to move their arms or legs freely.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: This type causes involuntary and irregular movements, like jerking, twisting, or slow continuous movements. Children may struggle with controlling their body posture, head, and coordination. Speech is often affected as well.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: This is the least common type of CP. This type affects balance and coordination, causing children to display unstable or jerky movements and speech. Children with ataxic CP may have trouble with tasks that require fine motor skills, like writing or walking in a straight line.
Some people have mixed CP, meaning they may exhibit symptoms from more than one of these types of CP. Each type of cerebral palsy affects children differently, but all of them can make daily activities more difficult.
Notable Statistics About Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. Below are some important statistics on this challenging disability:
Approximately 1 in 345 children in the United States is diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Boys are diagnosed more often with cerebral palsy than girls.
Children are usually not diagnosed until the age of 2 or 3.
Cerebral palsy is more common in Black children than in white children.
Children with low birth weights are more likely to develop CP.
The total lifetime care costs to take care of a child with cerebral palsy exceed $1 million.
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects thousands of children and adults. It’s important to understand the risk factors associated with the condition and to provide preventative care and support. Contact Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 690-7000 or fill out our online form to explore your options with a cerebral palsy attorney in Houston for potentially life-saving funds.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy stems from damage to the brain, whether that be during pregnancy, at the time of labor and delivery, or in the time following the birth. While many cases of cerebral palsy are related to factors outside our control, such as genetic mutations, the mother’s age, and maternal health conditions, sometimes your child could develop cerebral palsy due to complications during birth.
Unfortunately, medical malpractice during labor and delivery is one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy in children. In these cases, medical malpractice simply means that the doctor or other healthcare professional did not act within the accepted standard of care owed to the patient. In 2023 alone, the National Practitioner Data Bank reported over 3,200 cases of medical malpractice in Texas.
The accepted standard of care is the level of care that another healthcare professional with comparable training and experience would provide in a similar situation. When a doctor or another medical professional breaches that duty of care and causes harm, then you may be able to sue for cerebral palsy.
Examples of medical mistakes that may lead to preventable cerebral palsy include:
Lack of oxygen: A baby’s developing brain is very sensitive, and if at any point the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long, it can lead to permanent brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy, seizures, and other developmental delays. Issues that can cause a lack of oxygen include problems with the umbilical cord, like it compressing or crimping, the uterus rupturing, or the placenta tearing away. When a medical professional fails to recognize the signs of lack of oxygen and fix the root issue in time, then you may be able to hold them responsible for your child’s cerebral palsy.
Birth trauma: Traumatic injuries to the baby’s brain during labor or delivery can cause cerebral palsy. Birth trauma may be caused by a doctor misusing forceps or incorrectly performing a vacuum delivery.
Infection: Bacterial and viral infections can cause the baby to develop sepsis, which can then progress into inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in cerebral palsy. Doctors must be proactive and vigilant when responding to infections that could be passed from the mother to the child to avoid these complications.
Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop cerebral palsy, especially those with low birth weights.
Other cases of medical malpractice that could result in cerebral palsy include delayed cesarean section and untreated jaundice.
Although we trust medical professionals to provide the best possible care for our children, a medical mistake during labor or delivery can have devastating and lasting effects. When something goes wrong, especially with a vulnerable newborn, it can completely change the trajectory of your child’s life.
A preventable mistake can leave a family facing the challenges of cerebral palsy, challenges that could have been avoided with proper care and attention. When what should be one of the happiest moments of your life turns into a lifetime of medical struggles, Pierce Skrabanek is here for you. If you believe medical malpractice is responsible for your child’s cerebral palsy, contact our Houston cerebral palsy law firm today online or by calling (832) 690-7000.
Why Do You Need a Houston Cerebral Palsy Attorney?
Welcoming a child into the world is already a costly experience, but you may have budgeted for prenatal care, delivery, and the everyday expenses of raising a newborn. But what happens when your baby develops cerebral palsy due to a preventable medical mistake? The lifetime costs of care can be staggering.
The expenses related to caring for a child with cerebral palsy can quickly reach tens of thousands of dollars, placing a massive financial strain on your family. Fair compensation for injuries causing cerebral palsy can help alleviate financial struggles and afford the high-quality care that allows your child to flourish.
If you're facing the challenges of cerebral palsy due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. Rather than navigating the complexities involved in filing a compensation claim, an attorney can handle the paperwork for you. Having a proven Houston cerebral palsy lawyer by your side is essential to ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Hiring a lawyer can be a deciding factor in your case’s chance of success. In fact, a survey by Martindale-Nolo found that over 90% of people who worked with a lawyer received compensation. However, only 50% of individuals who handled their case alone were able to recover compensation.
When it comes to your child’s future, you don’t want to leave your lawsuit to chance. Proving medical malpractice, especially in complex cases involving cerebral palsy, is not something the average person can handle on their own. It requires knowledge of both medicine and the law, along with the resources to investigate the circumstances of your case, gather medical records, and work with specialists who can confirm how a doctor’s mistake caused harm.
From understanding your rights to pursuing rightful claims, a skilled attorney serves as your ally in pursuing accountability and support. Contact Pierce Skrabanek’s Houston offices online or by calling (832) 690-7000 to discuss how we can play an essential role in your journey toward justice and resolution.
According to a Forbes Advisor study conducted in 2024, Texas has the 5th highest healthcare costs in the nation. Therefore, caring for a child with cerebral palsy in Houston can add up significantly. Filing a lawsuit may be able to secure you the financial cushion you need to get proper care for your loved one.
What Compensation Is Available in a Houston Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit?
In Houston, cerebral palsy lawsuits aim to secure compensation for the various personal injuries and losses suffered due to medical negligence or other factors leading to the condition.
The compensation available can encompass a wide range of costs and losses, including:
Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs: This includes past, present, and future medical bills related to cerebral palsy treatment, including doctor visits, therapy sessions, medications, surgeries, and assistive devices. Cerebral palsy often requires extensive rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other forms of specialized care. Compensation may cover these expenses.
Lost Earnings: If cerebral palsy prevents the individual from working or significantly reduces their ability to earn income in the future, compensation may account for lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of cerebral palsy and its associated challenges.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Cerebral palsy can impact one's ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed. Compensation may be awarded for the loss of quality of life and the inability to engage in hobbies, social activities, and other pursuits.
Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Compensation may cover the costs of making necessary modifications to the home environment and acquiring assistive devices to improve the individual's quality of life and independence.
Caregiver Expenses: If family members or professional caregivers are required to provide assistance and support to the individual with cerebral palsy, compensation may be available to offset these expenses.
The specific amount of compensation awarded in a cerebral palsy lawsuit depends on various factors, including the evidence presented and the quality of the argument made by your legal representative. However, without the help of an experienced legal team, you could risk your case being undervalued or dismissed altogether.
An experienced Houston cerebral palsy attorney from Pierce Skrabanek can document the circumstances of your case and advocate for the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
What Does a Houston Cerebral Palsy Law Firm Handle For Your Case?
Our Houston cerebral palsy law firm is experienced in handling cases related to cerebral palsy and other birth injuries caused by medical malpractice or negligence. We offer comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families affected by the condition.
Here are some key aspects of what a Houston cerebral palsy law firm can handle for your case:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Cerebral palsy cases require extensive investigation to gather evidence of medical malpractice or negligence. Our attorneys work with medical experts and other professionals to collect medical records, conduct interviews, and gather evidence to support your case.
Negotiation and Settlement: Our lawyers negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your damages. We advocate for your best interests and work to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Litigation and Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our cerebral palsy law firm is prepared to take your case to trial. We provide aggressive representation in court, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing your case before a judge and jury.
By partnering with a proven Houston law firm, you can have confidence that your case is in capable hands.
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Testimonials
Read what our past clients have to say about our legal services.
Daryl M.
“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”
Denise J.
“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”
Victoria S.
“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.
Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”
Gabriela C.
“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”
Raymond H.
“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.
Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”
Cam F.
“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”
Michele R.
“Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”
Beverly C.
“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”
Diane T.
“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”
Deborah S.
“We watched, participated & listened to Paul Skrabanek fight for a settlement which we could be happy with. Just this month the case has been put to rest.”
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Contact Houston Cerebral Palsy Attorneys to Secure a Better Future for Your Child
If you or a loved one has been impacted by cerebral palsy due to medical negligence or malpractice, seeking legal guidance and support is paramount. The journey towards justice and compensation can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our team of experienced Houston cerebral palsy lawyers is here to advocate for your rights, provide compassionate support, and fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Why Hire Pierce Skrabanek
With 30+ years of combined experience and over $500,000,000 recovered for our clients, the team at Pierce Skrabanek stands ready to help you and your family. Our team has a deep understanding of cerebral palsy cases and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, whether through negotiation, settlement, or litigation.
Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Contact us today online or at (832) 690-7000 to schedule a free, fully confidential consultation. Take the first step towards providing a brighter future for you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Child's Cerebral Palsy Was Caused by Medical Negligence?
Determining whether cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence or misdiagnosis requires a thorough review of the medical records and consultation with medical experts. Signs of potential negligence may include delayed or improper response to fetal distress, failure to perform a timely cesarean section, or medication errors during labor and delivery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit in Houston?
The deadline for filing a cerebral palsy lawsuit varies by state. In Houston, the statute of limitations for pursuing medical malpractice cases is generally two years from the date of the injury or the date the injury was discovered. Contact a lawyer to discuss your individual timeline, and whether there are any exceptions that apply in your case.
How Long Does a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Take?
The duration of a cerebral palsy lawsuit can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court's schedule. Some cases may be resolved through settlement in a matter of months, while others may take longer to litigate. Your attorney from Pierce Skrabanek will ensure you are up to date with progress and developments in your case.
What Should I Expect During the Legal Process?
During the legal process, you can expect your lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, file court documents, engage in settlement negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary. The vast majority of the work needed to pursue justice is handled by the attorney you hire.
Your lawyer from Pierce Skrabanek will keep you informed and involved every step of the way. Contact us online or call us at (832) 690-7000 to discuss your needs.
We’re Here for You: Real Results for Real Challenges
We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.
$117 Million Jury Verdict for an Ambulance Accident Case
Mike Pierce was one of the lead lawyers responsible for obtaining a $117 million recovery for a catastrophic injury to a twenty-one-year-old mother of two. The suit involved a serious car accident that occurred while an Acadian Ambulance driver was transporting the plaintiff to the hospital.
Mike Pierce was part of a trial team that obtained an $11.6 million jury verdict in a Houston, Texas claim. The case involved a worker who suffered a catastrophic injury that resulted in the loss of most of the sight in one of his eyes.
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