Cerebral Palsy
Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer


Approximately 10,000 babies each year are born in the United States with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement or coordination caused by a problem with the brain. Unfortunately, it is a permanent and irreversible condition which is crippling to the nervous system of an infant or young child.

More than 80% of people with cerebral palsy developed it before they were born or before they were one month old. Cerebral palsy can be caused during pregnancy in the event the mother has been exposed to improper prescription drugs, certain toxic chemicals, and other medical conditions such as untreated high blood pressure. Cerebral palsy can be caused during the birth process by untreated umbilical cord compression, unrecognized or untreated signs of fetal distress from pressure on the umbilical cord, and dystocia (this occurs when the baby becomes stuck in the birth canal too long due to its size or position).

The above causes are not complete. However, when delivery of oxygen and nutrition to the brain is interrupted or significantly decreased for a period of time, the brain becomes injured. An infant stricken with cerebral palsy may begin to show signs of delayed development, abnormal activity, spasticity, seizures, bleeding in the brain, paralysis, mental retardation, and other signs of physical or mental defects.

About half the people who have cerebral palsy need assistance in getting around. They will need braces, walkers, or wheelchairs. In addition, people with cerebral palsy also have serious mental retardation which requires that they have assistance with doing normal activities of life and also need specialized medical care. As a result, the cost of caring for someone with cerebral palsy are extreme. A recent study showed that the extra costs associated with cerebral palsy over a lifetime cost over $500,000 per person. Thus, these cases are very serious and require an attorney who is willing to devote the time and money necessary to pursue a recovery.

If cerebral palsy has affected your family or loved ones, please contact The Law Offices of Michael L. Neff, P.C. to help determine whether a legal recovery may be pursued. It is important to act promptly so as to preserve evidence and review the medical procedures in question. Expert witnesses and physicians will need to evaluate the medical records documenting the birth and any injuries associated with it. Call our office at 404-531-9700, or click here to submit an e-mail. There will be no charge associated for speaking with an attorney.