Columbia Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

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Cerebral palsy is a common consequence when doctors act negligently before, during, or after birth. Contact a Columbia cerebral palsy lawyer if your child developed cerebral palsy because of negligence. They can help you fight for justice and recover damages.

Can Cerebral Palsy Be Caused By Medical Malpractice?

Yes, cerebral palsy can be caused by medical malpractice. Malpractice occurs when a healthcare provided fails to provide adequate care, resulting in harm to the patient.

There are several ways medical malpractice can lead to cerebral palsy. One issue is the failure to adequately monitor fetal distress, as illustrated in the following story about a Columbia mom and her baby.

Columbia Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Win $3 Million for Local Family

On September 18, 1999, mother Lisa Viele checked into the Tuomey Regional Medical Center, where staff gave her Pitocin to induce labor for her first child.

The labor initially progressed as it should, but at some point, the infant’s heart began to slow down, and Lisa’s contractions became abnormal, according to court documents.

Two hours later, the mother’s obstetrician arrived and ordered an increase in Pitocin. The attending nurses noted continuing fetal distress. The baby’s heartbeat continued to slow down with prolonged recovery time.

Another few hours passed before the physician arrived again. Instead of ordering an emergency C-section, the doctor ordered the nurses to stop the Pitocin and allow Lisa to wait it out overnight.

By 8 a.m. the following morning, the infant’s heartbeat was flat.

The physician, identified as Dr. Anderson, finally ordered an emergency C-section. When the baby was born, a girl named Elizabeth began having seizures.[1]

A CT scan confirmed that the little girl developed severe, irreparable brain damage, leading to cerebral palsy and other co-existing medical conditions.

Lisa’s cerebral palsy attorneys worked diligently to ensure that her baby would have funds to help with medical care and living expenses.

According to a blog created by Lisa years after the incident, Elizabeth “Lizzy” spent almost two weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit before she arrived home.

“Lizzy spent 13 days in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) in Columbia, SC……What a roller coaster! I had a c-section and was released a day early because the doctor wanted to be sure I’d be able to see Lizzy in case she had too much trouble.”

Lizzy’s health conditions apparently got worse, and she was sent back to the hospital after something was discovered “eating at her brain,” her mother recalled in her blog. After debating back and forth, the Viele family contacted an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer to help them.

Lisa wrote that it was a challenging time for her and her husband, but in the end, she knew she had made the right choice for their family:

 The next five years would prove to be the most challenging years of our marriage. Depositions, meetings, having another baby, caring for Lizzy, teaching, Damon getting his national board certification, and eventually me stepping away from teaching.  From the moment I made the phone call to the attorney, I KNEW I was doing the right thing. I just knew it.”

Do I Need a Columbia Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?

A cerebral palsy diagnosis means that your child will likely need lifelong medical treatment, as there is no cure. However, the good news is that the disorder itself doesn’t get worse over time, although co-existing conditions are common.

Medical expenses quickly add up, and if a child develops this disorder because of negligent medical mistakes, parents and loved ones shouldn’t be expected to foot the exorbitant prices alone.

If your child has cerebral palsy, and you suspect negligence caused it, you need a lawyer. A South Carolina cerebral palsy lawyer can help confirm your suspicions and explain your legal options.

One of those options may be filing a lawsuit to recover damages. You cannot do this alone. The laws are complicated, and the process is long and difficult if you don’t have the necessary expertise.

The right lawyer will take all the necessary steps to sue for damages and ensure your child has the best possible chance of receiving compensation.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Resources in Columbia

Early and appropriate treatment is essential for a child born with cerebral palsy. Columbia has several excellent pediatric treatment centers.

Prisma Health Pediatric Rehabilitation

Prisma Health offers comprehensive consultation and outpatient rehabilitation services for children.[2]

9 Richland Medical Park Drive

Suite 410

Columbia, SC 29203

Phone: 803-434-1824

The Therapy Place

The goal of The Therapy Place is to ensure “children with special needs will have every opportunity to pursue their goals, realize their dreams, and reach their full potential,” according to the organization’s official website.[3]

The Therapy Place offers various services, including physical therapy, occupational and sensory therapy, feeding therapy, and language and speech therapy.

3620 Covenant Road

Columbia, SC, 29204

Phone: 803-787-3033

Email: info@thetherapyplace.org