Las Vegas Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
A diagnosis of cerebral palsy changes a family’s life in an instant. Parents in Las Vegas often find themselves managing medical appointments, therapies, equipment needs, and questions about what the future will look like for their child. Some also wonder whether mistakes during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or early newborn care may have played a role.
Burris & Thomas, LLC is a long-standing personal injury law firm in Las Vegas that helps families explore whether medical negligence contributed to a child’s cerebral palsy. Its attorneys investigate potential birth injury and medical malpractice claims and work to pursue compensation that can support a child’s lifelong needs. The firm evaluates each situation carefully, and an initial consultation is an opportunity for clear information, not pressure.
With more than 45 years of combined experience representing injured people across Nevada, including in complex medical malpractice matters, our firm provides practical guidance, careful investigation, and strategic advocacy for families facing these difficult questions.
To schedule a free consultation, call (702) 529-3101 or contact us online today.
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, often occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. The severity of cerebral palsy can vary widely from child to child.
Common types of cerebral palsy include:
- Spastic cerebral palsy – Characterized by stiff muscles and awkward movements
- Dyskinetic cerebral palsy – Involves involuntary or uncontrolled movements
- Ataxic cerebral palsy – Affects balance and coordination
- Mixed cerebral palsy – A combination of multiple types
While cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, early intervention and proper care can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.
How Medical Malpractice Causes Cerebral Palsy
Not all cases of cerebral palsy are preventable. However, some instances result from medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, serious birth injuries can occur.
Common examples of medical malpractice that may lead to cerebral palsy include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed C-section delivery
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Failure to treat maternal infections
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during birth
- Failure to diagnose complications during pregnancy
Oxygen deprivation is one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy linked to malpractice. Even a few minutes without adequate oxygen can result in permanent brain damage.
At Burris & Thomas, LLC, we work with medical experts to thoroughly investigate your case and determine whether negligence played a role in your child’s condition.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy
Early diagnosis of cerebral palsy is crucial for effective treatment and intervention. While some signs may appear shortly after birth, others may become more noticeable as a child grows.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Delayed developmental milestones (such as crawling or walking)
- Muscle stiffness or floppiness
- Poor coordination and balance
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Abnormal posture or reflexes
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
Parents are often the first to notice that something is not quite right. If you suspect your child may have cerebral palsy, it is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Lifetime Care for Cerebral Palsy
Caring for a child with cerebral palsy often requires long-term medical support, therapy, and specialized care. These expenses can place a significant financial burden on families.
Lifetime care may include:
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Medications to manage symptoms
- Assistive devices (wheelchairs, braces, communication tools)
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Special education services
- Ongoing medical treatment and surgeries
In severe cases, individuals with cerebral palsy may require round-the-clock care for the rest of their lives. A successful legal claim can help secure compensation to cover these extensive costs and ensure your child receives the best possible care.
Compensation in Cerebral Palsy Cases
If medical negligence caused your child’s cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Assistive equipment and home modifications
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Each case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact.
Cerebral Palsy FAQs
How do I know if my child’s cerebral palsy was caused by malpractice?
Determining whether medical negligence caused cerebral palsy requires a thorough review of medical records and expert analysis. An experienced attorney can help assess your case and identify any deviations from the standard of care.
How long do I have to file a claim in Nevada?
Nevada has specific statutes of limitations for medical malpractice claims. In many cases, the deadline may be extended for minors, but it is crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What evidence is needed for a cerebral palsy case?
Key evidence may include medical records, fetal monitoring strips, witness statements, and expert testimony. Your attorney will gather and analyze all relevant information to build a strong case.
How much does it cost to hire a cerebral palsy attorney?
Most cerebral palsy attorneys, including Burris & Thomas, LLC, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and legal fees are only collected if your case is successful.
Can I still file a claim if my child was diagnosed years after birth?
Yes, in some cases. Because cerebral palsy symptoms may not be immediately apparent, the law may allow additional time to file a claim. Consulting with an attorney is the best way to understand your options.
Why Families Trust Burris & Thomas
Cerebral palsy cases can be among the most complex matters in personal injury law. They often involve detailed obstetric and neonatal records, questions about fetal monitoring, emergency decision making, and long-term life care planning. Families in the Las Vegas area need a legal team that understands both serious injury litigation and the medical and legal frameworks that apply in Nevada.
Burris & Thomas, LLC brings more than four decades of personal injury experience, including numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements in serious injury and wrongful death cases. This history shows that the firm is equipped to pursue high-value claims where a child’s care needs may extend across a lifetime. The attorneys approach each case individually, tailoring legal strategies to the child’s condition, prognosis, and family goals.
Clients of Burris & Thomas, LLC often remark on the firm’s responsiveness, respectful communication, and coordinated teamwork. Families dealing with cerebral palsy need clear explanations and timely updates, and the firm strives to keep parents informed at every stage while handling the day-to-day demands of litigation.
To discuss your child’s situation with the attorneys at Burris & Thomas, LLC, call (702) 529-3101.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 702-529-3101 today!
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that go into evaluating the settlement value of a personal injury case. It is not a simple matter of applying a formula. Typically, everyone thinks that their case is “simple” and “clear-cut”. Everyone tends to think that the amount of money they are seeking is “fair and reasonable”. That is human nature. However, the reality is that, in the end, a personal injury case is worth what a jury says it is worth. The job of the victim’s personal injury lawyer is to come up with a settlement that reflects the risk of going to trial (odds of winning vs. odds of losing), together with the range of what value a jury might actually return on the case.
In deciding settlement values, we need to consider the following:
- Is fault clear, or contested?
- Are the injuries severe or mild?
- Is there an issue with insurance coverage?
- Is the client a good communicator?
- Is the defendant/wrongdoer likable or unlikable?
Normally, I am able to give a very general estimate range of settlement value and odds soon after taking on a case, with the understanding that these are just estimates and not guarantees. The longer the case goes on, the more definite I can be about the settlement value range.
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Do I have a personal injury case?
It is often times said by attorneys that in order for there to be a viable personal injury case, there must be “three legs on the stool.” These legs are: liability (or fault); damages (or injury); and collectability (insurance). If any one of the “legs” is missing, then there is not a viable case.
- Liability - A clear example of liability would be someone running through a red light. That person would be at fault. On the other hand, let us say that somebody is hit by a meteorite falling from the sky, and seriously hurt. In that case, although there is injury, there is no earthly entity at fault.
- Damages - An example of damages would be someone getting hit in the nose by an airbag, which breaks their nose. That person has an injury caused by the collision. On the other hand, what if that same person is almost hit by a car running a red light, but by the grace of God is able to avoid the collision? That person might say “I was almost killed, but I didn’t get a scratch.” In that case, the person was not injured and there is no case.
- Collectability - To give an example of collectability, imagine that a drunk driver runs through a red light, and the driver is Donald Trump. In that case, if Donald Trump hit and injured someone when he ran the red light, the victim will be able to collect upon any judgment that they receive. Imagine, on the other hand, that the drunk driver is someone who just got out of prison, and has no insurance and no property. Although that person will probably go to jail, there is no practical way to collect money from him, as he is a “scofflaw” living outside responsibilities of society.
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What Is the Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
When it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for the state you're filing in. A statute of limitations is the time limit that a state puts on how long after your accident you are allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit. Statutes vary from state to state.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) (2016) states that individuals wishing to file a personal injury lawsuit must do so within 2 years of the date of their accident. However, there are certain exceptions that can be made depending on your circumstances. For example, if you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, you generally only have 1 year to file your lawsuit after the date of your injury (Nevada Revised Statutes section 41A.097).
Statute of limitations can be complex, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted amount of time your case will most likely be dismissed. Don't put your compensation on the line! Contact our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and determine what your next steps should be.
