Cerebral Palsy Attorneys in Pittsburgh

If Your Family Needs Help After a Devastating Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis, Talk to Our Caring Team

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we help families who have suffered as a result of birth injuries. One form of birth injury is cerebral palsy, a group of disorders characterized by impaired motor function and commonly caused by a lack of oxygen to the baby's brain during birth.

Not every case of cerebral palsy is the result of medical malpractice, but some are. Our Pittsburgh birth injury attorneys will carefully investigate your case to help you determine whether you can pursue compensation for the hardships your child faces.

With more than 40 years of experience, our team has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We know what it takes to help families in need.

Contact us online or by telephone at (844) 383-0565 to speak with our client-focused Pittsburgh cerebral palsy lawyer.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually occurring before birth, during childbirth, or in early infancy. This brain damage interferes with the brain's ability to control muscles, leading to various physical impairments.

Common features of cerebral palsy include:

• Movement and Muscle Control Issues: CP affects motor skills, causing involuntary movements, muscle stiffness (spasticity), or weakness. Some individuals may have difficulty walking, while others might struggle with coordination, balance, or fine motor skills.
• Varied Symptoms: The severity of cerebral palsy varies widely. Some people may only have minor mobility issues, while others might require assistance for basic activities. CP can affect one side of the body (hemiplegia), both legs (diplegia), or all four limbs (quadriplegia).
• Non-Progressive Condition: CP is considered non-progressive, meaning the brain damage does not worsen over time. However, the physical symptoms may change as a person grows.
• Associated Conditions: While CP primarily impacts movement, it may be accompanied by other health issues, including intellectual disabilities, vision or hearing problems, epilepsy, and speech difficulties.

The following are the common types of CP:

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: The most common form, characterized by stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which can make movements difficult and jerky.
• Athetoid (Dyskinetic) Cerebral Palsy: Involves involuntary movements, often twisting or repetitive motions.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Impacts balance and coordination, leading to shaky or unsteady movements.
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy: A combination of symptoms from the above types.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

While some cases of CP stem from genetic factors or infections during pregnancy, a significant number of diagnoses are linked to birth injuries caused by medical negligence. In Pittsburgh hospitals, doctors, nurses, and midwives are held to a high "standard of care." When they deviate from this standard, the results can be catastrophic.

Common examples of medical malpractice that lead to cerebral palsy include:

• Oxygen Deprivation (Asphyxia): Failing to monitor fetal heart rates can lead to a failure to detect hypoxia (low oxygen). If a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen for too long, permanent damage occurs.
• Delayed C-Section: When a baby is in distress, every second counts. Delaying an emergency Cesarean section is a leading cause of preventable brain injury.
• Improper Use of Birthing Tools: Negligent use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause physical trauma to the infant's skull and brain.
• Failure to Treat Jaundice: Untreated severe jaundice can lead to kernicterus, a type of brain damage that causes a specific form of CP.
• Maternal Infection Oversight: Failing to diagnose or treat infections like Group B Strep in the mother can lead to brain inflammation in the newborn.

If you suspect that a medical error occurred during your delivery at a hospital, a Pittsburgh cerebral palsy attorney from Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. can help you review medical records and consult with experts to determine if malpractice was the cause.

Short- & Long-Term Impact of Cerebral Palsy

The impact of cerebral palsy extends far beyond physical movement. It affects a child’s development, a family’s finances, and the emotional well-being of everyone involved.

Short-Term Impacts

In the early years, parents may notice "missed milestones," such as a delay in rolling over, sitting up, or crawling. Infants may appear "floppy" (low muscle tone) or excessively "stiff" (high muscle tone). The immediate focus is often on securing early intervention services and specialized equipment like braces or walkers.

Long-Term Impacts

As the child enters school age and adulthood, the challenges can include:

• Mobility Issues: Many individuals require wheelchairs, gait trainers, or customized vehicles.
• Co-occurring Conditions: Up to 50% of children with CP may also experience epilepsy, vision or hearing loss, and intellectual disabilities.
• Emotional Toll: Chronic pain and social isolation can lead to mental health challenges like depression or anxiety.
• Lifetime Care Costs: The CDC estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a person with cerebral palsy can exceed $1.6 million (in 2026), accounting for medical inflation and specialized care.

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but a multidisciplinary approach to treatment can significantly improve a child’s quality of life and independence.

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving muscle strength, flexibility, and motor skills.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps children learn to perform daily tasks like dressing, eating, and writing.
• Speech-Language Pathology: Addresses communication difficulties and issues with swallowing or eating.
• Medications: Muscle relaxants (like Baclofen) or Botox injections can help manage spasticity and reduce pain.
• Surgical Interventions: Orthopedic surgery may be necessary to lengthen tendons or straighten bones, while Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) can permanently reduce muscle stiffness in some candidates.

Cerebral Palsy Claim FAQs

How do I know if I have a case?

Proving malpractice requires showing that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care and that this breach directly caused your child's brain injury. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we provide a free case evaluation to investigate the specifics of your delivery.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within two years. However, the Minor’s Tolling Statute often allows children injured at birth to file a claim up until their 20th birthday. Because these rules are complex, it is vital to consult a Pittsburgh cerebral palsy lawyer as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to sue.

What kind of compensation can I recover?

A successful claim can provide funds for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Specialized education and tutoring
• Pain and suffering
• Lost future earning capacity for the child

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Consult Our Supportive Legal Team

Our firm works with experienced medical professionals to make our cases as informative and extensive as possible. We will work closely with you to help you pursue full and fair compensation that covers your present-day needs as well as needs you will face in the future.

Does your child have cerebral palsy due to a doctor’s negligence during their birth? Call us now at (844) 383-0565 to speak with an experienced Pittsburgh cerebral palsy lawyer. We offer free consultations.