Providence County Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Helping Families Impacted by Medical Negligence

When medical professionals fail to provide the care and diligence that expectant mothers and newborns deserve, the results can be devastating. One of the most severe consequences of medical negligence during labor or delivery is cerebral palsy (CP) — a lifelong neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination, and muscle control. Families in Providence County dealing with a cerebral palsy diagnosis often face significant emotional and financial challenges, especially when the condition could have been prevented.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., our Providence County cerebral palsy attorneys are committed to helping families hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for birth injuries. We understand the lifelong impact this diagnosis has and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation needed for ongoing care, therapy, and a brighter future.

Call (401) 200-4059 or send us a message to arrange your free, confidential consultation.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, balance, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, typically before, during, or shortly after birth. This damage can interfere with the brain’s ability to control muscles, resulting in a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: The most common type, characterized by stiff muscles and difficulty with movement.
• Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Causes uncontrollable movements, often in the arms, legs, face, or tongue.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Involves balance and coordination problems.
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy: A combination of symptoms from more than one type.

Children with cerebral palsy may struggle with motor function, speech, vision, or cognition. In some cases, they require lifelong medical care, physical therapy, and assistive technology to maintain quality of life.

Medical Malpractice Causing Cerebral Palsy

While some cases of cerebral palsy occur naturally, others are the direct result of medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or the newborn period. If doctors, nurses, or hospital staff fail to meet accepted medical standards, their mistakes can deprive an infant’s brain of oxygen — a leading cause of CP.

Common Examples of Medical Negligence Leading to Cerebral Palsy:

• Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Not recognizing or responding to abnormal heart rate patterns can result in oxygen deprivation.
• Delayed or Improper C-Section: When a baby shows signs of distress, a timely cesarean section may be necessary. Delay can lead to brain injury.
• Misuse of Delivery Tools: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can physically harm a baby’s brain or skull.
• Failure to Treat Maternal Infections: Untreated infections such as meningitis or Group B strep can cause brain damage in newborns.
• Neglecting Postnatal Care: Failure to diagnose and treat jaundice, hypoglycemia, or other neonatal complications may contribute to cerebral palsy.

If your child’s condition may have been preventable, our Providence County cerebral palsy attorney at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can review medical records, consult experts, and determine whether medical malpractice occurred. Our team fights to ensure that negligent providers are held responsible for the harm they caused.

Short- & Long-Term Impact of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can affect nearly every aspect of a child’s development. The impact can range from mild to severe and varies greatly depending on the type and extent of brain injury.

Short-Term Impacts:

• Delayed motor milestones such as crawling, sitting, or walking
• Poor muscle control or coordination
• Feeding or swallowing difficulties
• Muscle stiffness or involuntary movements
• Speech and communication challenges

Long-Term Impacts:

• Permanent mobility limitations requiring wheelchairs or braces
• Chronic pain and muscle spasms
• Developmental and cognitive delays
• Seizure disorders
• Emotional and behavioral struggles
• Lifelong dependence on caregivers

For many families, the financial strain of ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and special education can be overwhelming. A successful cerebral palsy claim can help secure compensation for both current and future needs.

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early intervention and consistent treatment can improve function and quality of life. Comprehensive care typically involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.

Common Treatments Include:

• Physical Therapy: To improve mobility, strength, and balance.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps children develop independence in daily tasks.
• Speech Therapy: Improves communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Medications: Reduces muscle stiffness, pain, or seizures.
• Surgical Interventions: Corrects muscle or bone abnormalities.
• Assistive Devices: Such as wheelchairs, braces, and communication aids.

Because treatment is ongoing, the costs can be substantial over a child’s lifetime. Compensation from a successful cerebral palsy lawsuit can help cover these medical expenses, ensuring the child receives the best care possible.

Cerebral Palsy FAQs

How do I know if medical malpractice caused my child’s cerebral palsy?

Determining medical negligence requires a detailed review of medical records, fetal monitoring data, and labor and delivery procedures. A qualified cerebral palsy attorney can consult medical experts to identify errors that may have caused your child’s injury.

How long do I have to file a cerebral palsy claim in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law generally allows medical malpractice claims to be filed within three years of the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving minors. An attorney can help ensure your case is filed on time.

What compensation can I recover in a cerebral palsy lawsuit?

Families may recover damages for medical costs, ongoing therapy, assistive devices, home modifications, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.

Do I need to pay upfront to hire a cerebral palsy lawyer?

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we handle cerebral palsy cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact a Providence County Cerebral Palsy Attorney Today

If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe medical negligence played a role, you deserve answers — and justice. The compassionate legal team at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. has the knowledge, experience, and dedication to help families across Providence County hold negligent medical providers accountable.

Contact our Providence County cerebral palsy lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation.