Louisville Cerebral Palsy Attorneys

File a Lawsuit for Cerebral Palsy in Kentucky Today

When doctors fail to provide appropriate care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, your child can suffer lifelong complications. Cerebral palsy is an extremely common yet highly preventable birth injury often caused by oxygen deprivation.

At Kinnard Law, we are a premier medical malpractice litigation firm that has consistently helped families secure powerful results when facing life-altering injuries. With over 150 years of combined experience practicing law for clients, our firm is prepared to handle complex cases with the attention to detail necessary to prevail.

Speak to a Louisville cerebral palsy lawyer from our firm by dialing (502) 532-2711 or by filling out our online contact form today!

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a type of brain damage that affects a person’s muscle control and coordination. It is typically diagnosed shortly after birth, and those with the condition will live with it for the rest of their lives. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some people living functional, active lives, and others requiring full-time care.

Cerebral palsy can be caused if a child’s brain is damaged before, during, or after birth. Some people are also genetically predisposed to this condition, but many others have suffered developmental disorders because of trauma in the womb during their mother’s pregnancy, or simple human error during labor and delivery.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is classified into four main types based on the primary movement disorder involved. The type of CP depends on which areas of the brain are affected, leading to different challenges such as stiff muscles, uncontrollable movements, or poor coordination. Some individuals may also exhibit symptoms of more than one type, known as mixed cerebral palsy.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic CP is the most common type, affecting about 80% of individuals with CP. It is characterized by increased muscle tone, causing stiffness and awkward movements. Spastic CP can be further categorized by the areas of the body affected:

• Spastic Diplegia/Diparesis: Muscle stiffness primarily affects the legs, with minimal or no impact on the arms. Tight muscles in the hips and legs can cause scissoring, making walking difficult.
• Spastic Hemiplegia/Hemiparesis: Affects one side of the body, often with the arm more impacted than the leg.
• Spastic Quadriplegia/Quadriparesis: The most severe form, affecting all four limbs, the trunk, and the face. Individuals with this type often cannot walk and may have additional challenges such as intellectual disabilities, seizures, or vision, hearing, and speech issues.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Dyskinetic CP involves difficulties with controlling movements in the hands, arms, legs, and feet, making sitting and walking challenging. This type includes athetoid, choreoathetoid, and dystonic CP. Movements can range from slow and writhing to rapid and jerky. Muscle tone may fluctuate between too tight and too loose, even within a single day. The face and tongue may also be affected, leading to difficulties with sucking, swallowing, and speaking.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxic CP is characterized by problems with balance and coordination. Individuals may be unsteady when walking and struggle with precise movements, such as writing or reaching for objects. Quick or controlled movements can be particularly challenging.

Mixed-Type Cerebral Palsy

Some individuals experience symptoms of more than one type of CP, known as mixed cerebral palsy. The most common combination is spastic-dyskinetic CP, which includes a mix of stiff muscles and uncontrollable movements.

While people with cerebral palsy can lead fulfilling lives, this condition often requires ongoing medical care and support to manage its effects.

How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive physical examination by a doctor, combined with medical history and imaging tests. Diagnosis often occurs between 6 and 24 months of age, when developmental delays, such as difficulty sitting, crawling, or walking, become noticeable.

Steps in the diagnostic process include:

• Clinical evaluation: A doctor will assess the child’s motor skills, muscle tone, reflexes, posture, and movement patterns during a physical exam to identify signs of cerebral palsy.
• Developmental milestones: Observing whether a child is meeting milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking at the expected age helps in the diagnosis.
• Medical history: A detailed medical history, including pregnancy complications, birth events, and early infant development, can provide crucial context.
• Brain imaging:
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the most detailed imaging tool to identify brain abnormalities or damage associated with cerebral palsy.
  • Cranial ultrasound: Often used for premature infants, this method provides a less detailed image using sound waves.
• Other tests (if needed):
  • EEG (Electroencephalogram): Used to measure brain activity if seizures are suspected.
  • Genetic testing: May be conducted to rule out genetic conditions contributing to cerebral palsy.

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure children receive appropriate care and interventions.

Our Kentucky firm is here to support your family during this journey. Contact Kinnard Law today at (502) 532-2711 for compassionate legal counsel.

When Should Families Call a Louisville Cerebral Palsy Attorney?

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it is important to consider contacting a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Timing can play a critical role in ensuring your family’s legal rights are protected and that a thorough investigation can take place. Families should seek legal counsel if there is a suspicion that medical negligence during pregnancy, childbirth, or early infancy may have contributed to the condition. Early legal involvement allows attorneys to gather essential medical records, consult with experts, and build a strong case.

It is especially important to act quickly because there may be statutes of limitations that limit the amount of time you have to pursue legal action. An experienced cerebral palsy attorney can help you understand the deadlines that apply to your situation and provide guidance on the next steps. Additionally, reaching out early ensures that your family has the support and resources needed to handle the financial and emotional challenges that come with a cerebral palsy diagnosis. At Kinnard Law, we are committed to providing compassionate representation during this difficult time. Contact our team today to discuss your case and explore your options.

Why Choose a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer from Kinnard Law?

When pursuing justice for your child and your family, choosing the right legal team should be your top concern. At Kinnard Law, we bring over 150 years of combined experience handling complex medical malpractice cases, including those involving cerebral palsy. Our legal team has achieved notable victories for the injured families we represent.

When handling a cerebral palsy lawsuit, it is important to understand the legal and medical intricacies involved. Having an attorney who understands these details will help you recover the compensation your family needs now and in the long-term. With Kinnard Law, you gain not only skilled legal representation but also a partner who genuinely cares about your family’s well-being.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can make a difference in your cerebral palsy case. Dial (502) 532-2711.