Paradise Cerebral Palsy Attorney
Fighting For Cerebral Palsy Victims in Nevada
Receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis for your child is overwhelming, and many families in Paradise immediately start looking for answers, support, and some sense of control. If you believe medical mistakes could have played a role in your child’s condition or if you are navigating the demands of ongoing care, you do not have to face these challenges alone. At Burris & Thomas, LLC, we support families in Paradise, Nevada, as they seek answers and accountability in circumstances involving potential medical negligence.
Our team provides the experience, compassion, and legal knowledge families need in uncertain times. For more than 45 years, our attorneys have helped Nevada families pursue fair compensation and clarity in complex cases, including those involving suspected medical errors. From your first call through the resolution, we guide you with clarity, sensitivity, and determination.
Call us today at (702) 529-3101 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our cerebral palsy lawyer in Paradise.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy Related to Birth Injuries?
Cerebral palsy results from damage to a baby's developing brain, and while some cases stem from factors unrelated to medical care, others are directly linked to how labor and delivery were managed. Understanding the difference is often the first step for Paradise families trying to make sense of a diagnosis.
Birth-related causes that may point to medical negligence include:
- Failure to detect or respond to fetal distress on monitoring strips
- Prolonged or difficult labor without timely intervention
- Delayed decision to perform an emergency C-section
- Oxygen deprivation (birth asphyxia) during delivery
- Improper use of delivery instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extractors
- Untreated maternal infections that affect the baby during pregnancy or birth
- Failure to manage known risk factors, such as placental abnormalities or umbilical cord complications
Not every cerebral palsy diagnosis is the result of a medical error — some cases arise from genetic factors, prenatal conditions, or complications that occur despite appropriate care. Because the cause isn't always obvious from the outside, a thorough review of medical records and delivery timelines by qualified experts is usually the only way to know for certain.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is not a single condition but a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination differently depending on which part of the brain was affected. Understanding the type and severity your child has been diagnosed with can also help clarify the long-term care your family may need to plan for.
- Spastic cerebral palsy – The most common form, marked by stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that can affect one limb, one side of the body, or all four limbs.
- Dyskinetic cerebral palsy – Causes involuntary, uncontrolled movements that can make sitting, walking, or speaking difficult.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy – Affects balance and coordination, often resulting in shaky movements and difficulty with precise motor tasks.
- Mixed cerebral palsy – Involves a combination of symptoms from more than one type, requiring an individualized treatment approach.
Severity also varies widely, from mild coordination difficulties to conditions requiring full-time care. This range is part of why cerebral palsy claims require an individualized approach — no two children's needs, or their families' circumstances, are the same.
Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy Parents Should Know
Cerebral palsy isn't always diagnosed immediately after birth. In many cases, signs emerge gradually as a child misses developmental milestones. Recognizing these signs early can help your child access therapy sooner — and can also be relevant if you're evaluating whether a birth injury played a role.
Signs that may appear in infancy or early childhood include:
- Stiff or floppy muscle tone
- Delayed rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking
- Favoring one side of the body
- Difficulty with feeding, swallowing, or excessive drooling
- Poor coordination or balance once mobile
- Unusual posture or reflexes that persist beyond the expected age
If you've noticed these signs and have questions about whether your child's delivery was handled appropriately, discussing your concerns with both your pediatrician and an attorney experienced in birth injury cases can help you get clarity.
Medical Negligence vs. Unavoidable Injury: Understanding the Legal Standard
One of the most difficult questions families face is whether their child's cerebral palsy was preventable. Nevada law doesn't hold healthcare providers liable simply because a bad outcome occurred — a claim requires showing that a provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care, and that this failure directly caused the injury.
This is typically established through:
- A detailed review of prenatal records, labor and delivery notes, and fetal monitoring strips
- Independent medical expert testimony comparing the care provided to what a reasonably competent provider would have done in the same situation
- Evidence connecting the specific act (or failure to act) to the resulting brain injury
Because this analysis requires both medical and legal expertise, families are often unable to determine on their own whether negligence occurred. Our attorneys work with qualified medical experts to investigate these questions thoroughly before advising a family on whether they have a viable claim.
Why Choose Burris & Thomas, LLC?
When the future of your family is at stake after a cerebral palsy diagnosis, experience and dedication are vital. At Burris & Thomas, LLC, we combine extensive knowledge of medical malpractice law with a hands-on, client-centered approach for Paradise families. Our team draws on decades of success in Nevada, devising legal strategies that reflect your child’s goals and your family’s unique needs.
We believe open communication is key. Our attorneys return calls quickly, explain complex legal issues in simple terms, and walk you through each step as your case progresses. Every family we serve can expect responsiveness and straightforward updates.
What sets us apart:
- Attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers, AV Preeminent, and leadership roles in Nevada legal organizations.
- Decades of successful verdicts and settlements for families securing care and support.
- Personalized attention and transparent guidance from your first contact to your final resolution.
How We Can Assist You
A cerebral palsy case’s outcome can impact your child and family for years. Trusting your future to experienced attorneys is critical. At Burris & Thomas, LLC, our firm has secured numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements in medical malpractice and birth injury cases over more than four decades of practice.
Steven M. Burris, our founder, is recognized as a Las Vegas Life Top 5 Lawyer and holds an AV Preeminent rating. He and our attorneys have been acknowledged by Super Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates for legal skill and professionalism. These honors underscore our commitment to strong advocacy and client service in the Paradise area and throughout Nevada.
Our track record includes:
- Substantial verdicts and settlements for Nevada families affected by medical negligence
- Consistent praise from clients for strategic guidance and responsive service
- Experience with complex negotiations and effective representation in Clark County courts
Families trust us to handle the unique aspects of cerebral palsy claims in Paradise. Our dedication to successful outcomes is seen in both our results and our reputation within the legal community.
What To Do If You Suspect Malpractice Caused Cerebral Palsy
If you believe a medical error at a Paradise facility or by a provider may have led to your child’s cerebral palsy, taking action early can be important. Preparing your case and protecting your family’s interests begins with a few critical steps.
To start the process, families typically:
- Gather and organize medical records, treatment notes, and relevant communications about the care during pregnancy and birth.
- Write detailed notes or timelines about the events or medical decisions that raised concerns.
- Schedule a free, confidential legal review with our team to discuss details and get guidance specific to Nevada law.
Our attorneys will never charge a fee for the initial case review. You only pay attorney fees if we secure compensation for your family. Acting early can make a difference, as Nevada law sets specific time limits for pursuing these cases. We encourage you to contact us and learn your options without pressure or obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a doctor’s mistake caused my child’s cerebral palsy?
The best way to find out if medical errors contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy is by thoroughly reviewing records, timelines, and the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and birth. Our attorneys, working with medical experts, look for clues such as a lack of monitoring, a delay in treating distress, or improper medical decisions. We encourage families to contact us early so we can begin an investigation focused on your case and the specific standards used in Paradise, Nevada, medical facilities.
How long does a cerebral palsy legal case typically take in Nevada?
The length of a cerebral palsy case in Nevada often depends on factors like medical complexity, the willingness of other parties to negotiate, and scheduling procedures at the Regional Justice Center in Clark County. Some cases are resolved within several months, while others may take longer due to disputes or court caseloads. We keep you informed about timing and key milestones, so you know what to expect throughout your claim.
What types of compensation are possible in a cerebral palsy case?
Compensation in a Paradise cerebral palsy case may include costs for therapy, ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, educational support, and other resources your child may need. Depending on the facts of your case and Nevada law, compensation may also address pain, suffering, and future care needs. Our firm draws from experience with large verdicts and settlements to build claims tailored to your family's needs.
Contact Our Paradise Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Today
Starting the legal process may feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. At Burris & Thomas, LLC, you can expect a confidential, no-pressure conversation with attorneys who are knowledgeable about the realities facing families in Paradise. During a consultation, we explain your rights, outline potential options, and answer questions about the process, timeline, and what to expect.
You will not pay any upfront costs or retainers; we handle cerebral palsy cases on a contingency fee basis. This allows you to focus on your child and their needs, knowing we are focused on your claim. Our commitment is transparency and advocacy, every step of the way.
Contact us today to get started with our Paradise cerebral palsy attorney.
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
