Washington, D.C. Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

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Contact a Washington, D.C. cerebral palsy lawyer if you suspect your child’s condition was caused by medical mistakes. Cerebral palsy lawyers help families seek justice and compensation for their children affected by medical malpractice.

Does Medical Negligence Cause Cerebral Palsy?

The underlying cause of cerebral palsy is brain damage. An infant can suffer brain damage in several ways. One possible cause of the brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy is negligence.

If a doctor or other healthcare professional makes a preventable mistake that harms a patient, it can be considered negligence and medical malpractice.

An example includes inappropriate use of delivery tools, like forceps. Excessive force on the baby’s head can cause damage that ultimately leads to cerebral palsy and disabilities.

Why Do I Need a Washington, D.C. Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?

A cerebral palsy lawyer specializes in birth injuries, cerebral palsy, and medical malpractice. They work with families to uncover evidence of negligence and to take legal action against those responsible.

You need a cerebral palsy lawyer if your child has been diagnosed with this condition. The right lawyer will review your child’s medical records, determine if you have a case for medical malpractice, and help you take the next steps.

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be costly. Getting compensation from a cerebral palsy lawsuit can be complicated, but a lawyer with the right experience gives you the best chance.

How Can a Washington, D.C. Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Help My Family?

Giving you a good chance of receiving compensation is one of the most important things a lawyer can do to help your family. A child with cerebral palsy needs lifelong treatment and care. You might need to leave work to care for them. All of this costs you.

In addition to recovering damages, the right lawyer can help your family in several ways:

• They have a network of medical experts and investigators who will find evidence to build your case for malpractice.
• The right lawyer will take all the necessary steps to take legal action so you can focus on caring for your child.
• Cerebral palsy lawyers have experience working with families like yours, which will give you peace of mind and assure you they are doing everything necessary to get justice.
• A lawyer can provide other types of legal advice and assistance. They can help you make financial and legal decisions for your child’s future, set up trusts, or create conservatorships.

What to Look for in a Washington, D.C. Lawyer for Cerebral Palsy

Finding the right lawyer to represent your family is essential. Don’t settle for a lawyer who takes all types of cases. You need a lawyer who specializes in birth injuries and medical malpractice.

Interview several lawyers with the right expertise. They should offer free initial consultations to review your situation and provide some advice. Choose a lawyer who believes you have a case, can show you evidence of past wins for similar clients, and who makes you feel comfortable.

What Are the Medical Malpractice Laws in Washington, D.C.?

The laws governing malpractice cases can be confusing, which is one reason you need an experienced lawyer. These are some of the important laws you should understand before taking legal action.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a time limit for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. Washington, D.C. law gives you three years from the negligent incident or from when you discovered it to file.[1]

The law does allow for some exceptions, including for minors. You may have until your child’s 18^th birthday before the time limit begins, but it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Notice of Intention to File

Washington, D.C. also requires that you submit a notice of intention to file to each defendant in the case. You must file this with information about your allegations. Once submitted, you must wait at least 90 days to file the lawsuit.[2]

How Much Compensation Can I Get for Cerebral Palsy?

Unlike many states, Washington, D.C. does not cap noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits. This means your lawyer can seek as much compensation as seems reasonable and fair. Compensation in a cerebral palsy lawsuit may cover:

• Ongoing medical costs
• Future expected medical costs
• Home care costs
• Assistive devices and technology
• Therapy
• Lost wages if you must stay home from work to care for your child
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of the ability to earn a living later in life

The total compensation you might get for your child depends on the individual factors of your case. Many cerebral palsy lawsuits in Washington, D.C. are worth millions of dollars.

Disability Rights in Washington, D.C.

Your child and family might experience discrimination due to their disabilities, but you have rights. The federal Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, for instance, ensures that your child has access to a free and appropriate education.[3]

The Washington D.C. Human Rights Act makes discrimination illegal based on 23 different factors, including disability. This law covers areas such as public spaces, employment, and housing. You can file a complaint with the Office of Human Rights if your child’s rights have been violated.[4]

Washington, D.C. cerebral palsy lawyers have proven wins for families of children with birth injuries and cerebral palsy. Families should be able to seek justice and compensation for their children. If you are in this situation and facing major medical costs, contact a local experienced attorney.