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Savannah Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

Strong advocacy when your Georgia newborn is born with cerebral palsy

Every parent wants their baby to be born healthy so they can live up to their full potential. It’s devastating to be told that your newborn was born with cerebral palsy (“CP”). Although many children with CP can function with medical interventions, most children with CP live very difficult lives. Harris Lowry Manton LLP is an accomplished personal injury firm. Our Savannah cerebral palsy lawyers are skilled at showing why healthcare providers should be held accountable for your child’s birth injury.

In one illustrative case, we acted as co-counsel in obtaining a $30.5 million award for a mother and child when the mother failed to receive competent and timely medical care. As a result, the child suffered a hypoxic brain injury and was born with permanent injuries, including cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, and developmental delays. The child requires around-the-clock care for the rest of her life.

Steve Lowry and the other attorneys at Harris Penn Lowry are the best in the business. They go above and beyond to take care of their clients. They are accessible, professional and highly qualified.

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How can we help?

Speak with our accomplished Savannah cerebral palsy lawyers today for a free consultation

What is cerebral palsy?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of medical disorders that affect the ability to move, keep one’s balance, and maintain good posture. Cerebral refers to the brain. Palsy refers to difficulty using one’s muscles. CP is often caused by damage to the brain.

There are four types of cerebral palsy:

  • Spastic Cerebral Palsy. About four in five people with CP have spastic CP. With this condition, the muscles are stiff and the movements are awkward. There are different subtypes of spastic cerebral palsy, depending on the part of the body that is affected.
  • Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy. This type of CP makes it difficult to control movements of the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Some people with this disorder have problems swallowing and talking. Muscle tone can change from loose to tight and back again during the day.
  • Ataxic Cerebral Palsy. Those with ataxic CP have difficulty with their coordination and balance. Walking and writing are difficult.
  • Mixed Cerebral Palsy. Some people with CP have symptoms common to more than one CP type.

What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the symptoms of CP include:

  • Movement difficulties, including problems walking, difficulty with fine motor skills, and favoring one side of the body. These difficulties may include exaggerated reflexes; stiff muscles (spasticity); or floppy arms, legs, and trunks. Your child may not be able to control his/her movements and may have an unsteady gait. Range of motion may be limited.
  • Delayed speech development, drooling, problems eating and swallowing.
  • Learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and delays in growth.
  • Other symptoms may include seizures, hearing and vision disorders (including difficulties focusing their eyes), bladder and bowel difficulties, and mental health conditions. Some may have difficulty swallowing.

Some of the possible complications of CP include muscle contracture, mental health conditions, malnutrition, heart and lung disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, sleep disorders, skin disorders, and other complications.

Why does cerebral palsy happen during a delivery?

Obstetricians and other doctors should understand the risk factors for cerebral palsy and take appropriate action. These factors, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

  • Rubella (German measles) which can be prevented with a vaccine
  • Herpes
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Syphilis
  • Intrauterine infections
  • Exposures to certain toxins
  • Preeclampsia

Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. This may be due to complicated labor, an awkward birth position or a premature separation of the placenta. Doctors should anticipate these problems, take steps to avoid them and take steps to respond to these emergencies immediately.

Our Savannah cerebral palsy lawyers file medical malpractice claims against everyone responsible, including the doctors and the hospital where your delivery occurred.

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed in Atlanta?

Generally, it can take a few months or even up to a year to diagnose cerebral palsy in your child. Mild symptoms may take longer to appear. Your doctor will monitor your child’s abilities during your visits. Different specialists may help with the diagnosis, such as pediatric neurologists, child development specialists, pediatric physical medicine, rehabilitation specialists, and child development specialists.

A few diagnostic tests that may be used include brain MRIs, a cranial ultrasound, an electroencephalogram (EEG), and various blood, skin, and urine tests. Once a diagnosis of CP is made, your child will likely need to be seen by other specialists for hearing, vision, speech, intellectual abilities, movement, and development issues.

Can cerebral palsy be treated?

Many children with cerebral palsy require a lifetime of medical care. There are no proven cures for CP. Your healthcare providers will treat the symptoms and any complications that may arise. Treatments can help your child function better. The treatments for CP include:

  • Medications to lessen muscle tightness and medications to reduce drooling.
  • Long-term physical therapy to help train your child’s muscles and increase the ability to move. A physical therapist works with both parents and children so parents understand how to provide at-home care. In some cases, your child may need splints, braces, and other types of physical support.
  • Occupational therapy helps your child become independent at work and in school. Your child may learn how to use walkers, electric wheelchairs, standing and seating systems, and other devices.
  • Speech and language therapy helps your child communicate with words or sign language. Your child may learn how to use computers and other devices to communicate. This type of therapist also helps with swallowing and eating.
  • Recreation therapy helps your child exercise and keep their health stable.
  • Surgical procedures may include orthopedic surgery and a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy, which cuts nerve fibers.

Additional treatments will be necessary when your child becomes an adult.

How much is my child’s cerebral palsy case worth in Savannah?

Harris Lowry Manton has obtained hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We work with cerebral palsy professionals who are skilled at showing all the care your child will need for the rest of his/her life and all the ways your child’s life is changed due to his/her cerebral palsy.

Our birth injury lawyers demand compensation for your child’s current and future:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of use of any body part
  • Scarring and disfigurement

Do you have a Savannah cerebral palsy lawyer near me?

Harris Lowry Manton LLP meets parents and children at our Savannah office located at 410 E. Broughton Street. We’ll also meet you and your child at your home or a healthcare facility if necessary. Online conferences and phone calls are also options.

We understand how anxious you are about your child’s future. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and assert your right to compensation.

Speak with our accomplished Savannah cerebral palsy lawyers today for a free consultation

Harris Lowry Manton LLP is respected by former clients, insurance companies (including medical malpractice insurance companies), and the legal community for our compassion for our clients, our strong advocacy, and our impressive record of results. Our Savannah cerebral palsy lawyers are ready to help you hold doctors liable due to their incompetent medical care. Please call us or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle cerebral palsy birth injury cases on a contingency fee basis.

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Savannah Office

410 E. Broughton Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Phone: 912.651.9967
Fax: 912.651.1276

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