Portland Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Cerebral palsy can occur due to mistakes made by the medical professionals attending to the patient during labor and delivery. If your child has cerebral palsy because of negligence or medical mistakes, you need a birth injury attorney who is experienced and ready to fight for your child. Contact a Portland Cerebral Palsy Lawyer at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC as soon as possible to see how we can help you.
Call Us (503) 226-6361 What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a person’s ability to move, posture, and balance. It is actually a group of disorders. “Cerebral” simply means it involves the brain, and “palsy” is a word that indicates weakness or muscle usage problems.
Cerebral palsy typically occurs because the development of the brain is abnormal or because of brain damage that affects the individual’s capability to control their muscles.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary. Some people who have an extreme case of cerebral palsy may require special mobility aids to get around, though some may not walk at all. Others may require lifelong round-the-clock care.
While others may have some trouble with movement but may not require any kind of special services. Cerebral palsy symptoms may change as a person ages, but it does not worsen. Everyone who is dealing with cerebral palsy has issues with movement and with posture. Some may also have the following related issues:
- Intellectual disabilities
- Seizures
- Vision problems
- Hearing issues
- Speech problems
- Scoliosis
- Joint problems, like contractures
According to the Mayo Clinic, two to four babies out of every thousand will likely generate cerebral palsy. In many cases, doctors can prevent cerebral palsy by properly monitoring and treating both mother and child. If your baby was born with cerebral palsy because of someone else’s mistake, our Portland cerebral palsy lawyer is ready to help.
Portland Birth Injury: Cerebral Palsy
During labor, the fetal monitor showed signs that the baby was in distress. Her heart rate dropped, but the response was delayed. Nurses did not escalate concerns promptly, communication among staff broke down, and the obstetrician who could have intervened was not called in time. Those delays had lasting consequences.
The baby was born with permanent brain damage and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, injuries directly linked to the failure to respond appropriately during labor.
When the family came to our firm, we conducted a comprehensive review of the medical records and the timeline of care. That review revealed repeated lapses in communication, inadequate supervision, and departures from accepted medical standards. What should have been a coordinated response to a medical emergency became a series of missed opportunities to prevent harm.
Our role was to hold the responsible providers accountable and to seek the resources this child will need for the rest of her life. We also pursued accountability because birth injuries often result from preventable failures—when warning signs are missed or action is delayed at critical moments.
Today, the family remains deeply committed to their child’s care. The recovery has helped secure access to therapy, medical support, and services that will improve her quality of life over time. At Paulson Coletti, our work is about more than outcomes in court. It is about responsibility, prevention, and helping families move forward after life-altering medical errors.
What Are The Different Types of Cerebral Palsy?
A child’s movement patterns will dictate how their cerebral palsy is classified. The muscle tone and how their bodies move will be key in determining the type of cerebral palsy diagnosis they are given. Doctors are looking for spasticity, ataxia, and dyskinesia when identifying the type of cerebral palsy the child has.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Stiff or tight muscles that make moving normally difficult are considered spastic. Spastic cerebral palsy is common among those who have the condition. There are three subcategories that are divided by the affected body parts. These types are listed below:
- Spastic diplegia: the child’s legs are the only affected body part. The spasticity, or tightness of muscles, causes the individual with spastic diplegia to walk with a “scissoring gait.”
- Spastic hemiplegia: this refers to the individual’s body only being affected on one side. This could mean that the arm and leg on the left side are affected, usually with the most effect on the arm. Spastic hemiplegia can make many behaviors difficult for a person, including: writing, feeding themselves, playing and getting dressed.
- Spastic quadriplegia: this is the most severe form of cerebral palsy affecting both arms, both legs, the trunk of the body as well as the face. Those with spastic quadriplegia will typically always require a wheelchair and may also have intellectual disabilities.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy affects the movement of arms, hands, legs, and feet. Throughout the day, muscle tone may vary. The muscles can go from flaccid to spastic, meaning limp to tight muscles.
Children who have been diagnosed with dyskinetic cerebral palsy are unable to control their movements. They also move jerkily and are known to experience writhing, quick movements. Basic activities like eating, drinking, and verbally communicating can be difficult for those suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
When the cerebellum, a part of the brain, is damaged, it can result in ataxic cerebral palsy. The cerebellum is responsible for the regulation of movement signals from all parts of the nervous system so that fluid movements can be produced. When damage occurs, controlling movements like writing, reaching, feeding, mobility, and balance can be affected.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Some children have characteristics of two or more types of cerebral palsy. If this is the case, they are not diagnosed with just one category of cerebral palsy. Children with multiple types of cerebral palsy are considered to have mixed cerebral palsy.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Many things can lead to cerebral palsy. Although each case is unique, the primary cause is when not enough oxygen reaches the baby’s brain (hypoxia) or body (asphyxia). Many complications such as premature delivery, birth trauma, or mistakes during delivery can lead to the neurological disorder. Because each case is unique, not all instances of a child being born with cerebral palsy signifies medical malpractice. You need experienced cerebral palsy lawyers to decipher your legal rights.
That is not to say that medical malpractice does not lead to cerebral palsy, it does. In fact, too many cases of the disorder are preventable. Some Portland medical malpractice cases include:
- Not detecting maternal infections
- Failing to monitor vital signs of mother and baby
- Not performing a cesarean section in a timely manner
- Mistakes made using instruments such as vacuums or forceps
These forms of inattention and negligence can lead to lasting damage. It is imperative that doctors and physicians properly regulate the health of mother and child: before, during, and after birth.
Proving Causation in a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
For success in a cerebral palsy lawsuit, you must be able to prove that the doctor’s breach of care resulted in cerebral palsy. The plaintiff has to prove that the doctor made a mistake during labor and delivery that caused the baby to have cerebral palsy.
Listed below are a few other causes of cerebral palsy:
- An infant being roughly mishandled could cause cerebral palsy
- Dropping of an infant can lead to cerebral palsy
- Forceps during delivery, if improperly used, can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- If the baby was deprived of oxygen, it could result in cerebral palsy
- Failure to identify problems like pinched or twisted umbilical cords
- Too long spent in the birth canal
- Inadequate fetal monitoring
- Neglecting to begin a c-section when necessary or in time to ensure the safety of the mother and child.
Physicians may defend themselves by arguing that some action, condition, or misconduct caused your baby’s cerebral palsy. They could blame it on genetic malformations as well or claim that cerebral palsy was inevitable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit?
From the date the medical malpractice was uncovered, the plaintiff has two years to file a complaint. After five years, no cases can be filed. Meaning medical malpractice may be discovered four years after it occurred but would not have two additional years to file the complaint. It must be filed within the year so that it is filed before the five-year deadline.
An extension might be available if the defendant hid the medical malpractice through deceit or fraud. When that happens, the victim can begin a claim two years after the fraud or negligence was discovered.
What is the Cost of a Portland Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?
We will evaluate your case to decide if it is right for our firm. After determining if it has merit, we can estimate the damages that may be available for you to recover. We will take that estimate and add to it our fees.
Our fees will be added to the claim amount as “contingency fees,” which we will only collect if we succeed.
The bar requires clients to pay the costs related to litigation. But, attorneys are allowed to front their clients the necessary expenses dealing with their case, with the understanding that the expenses will be recovered from the compensation you receive from a successful claim.
Why Choose Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC?
- Justice focused. We understand how difficult this time can be for your family and are committed to getting justice for injured children.
- Trial experienced. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC will provide you with a team of experienced trial attorneys who are well-versed in handling complicated medical malpractice claims.
- Decades of knowledge. Our attorneys understand what it takes for cerebral palsy cases to be successful and how important the legal process can be for families.
- Proven results. We are ready to take your case to trial when negotiations do not produce satisfactory results. Our experienced Portland personal injury attorneys and their impressive track records will inspire confidence as we work toward an agreeable settlement for you.
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Contact Our Portland Cerebral Palsy Attorney Today
Children should be able to run, play, and just be kids. However, if a doctor is negligent in his or her care, the baby can suffer damage that can result in cerebral palsy. This robs the child of the same opportunities that other children have.
If your baby has suffered cerebral palsy or another birth injury due to inattention or negligence, you may have a case for compensation. Contact our cerebral palsy attorney in Portland today for a free consultation.
At Paulson Coletti, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win—because justice should never come with financial risk.Paulson Coletti
Trial Attorneys PC
Frequently Asked Questions About Cerebral Palsy Cases In Portland
Cerebral palsy may occur when a baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen during labor or delivery. Medical providers must closely monitor both the mother and baby and respond quickly to warning signs.
Preventable errors may include delayed cesarean delivery, failure to respond to fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools, or ignoring complications such as umbilical cord compression or placental problems. Medical review is often required to determine whether mistakes during labor or delivery contributed to the injury.
Determining whether negligence caused cerebral palsy usually requires a review of pregnancy and delivery records. Medical professionals examine fetal monitoring results, physician notes, and hospital documentation to evaluate whether proper care was provided.
Warning signs may include prolonged labor, untreated fetal distress, or delayed responses to complications. According to information published by the Oregon State Bar regarding medical malpractice, patients may pursue legal action when a healthcare provider fails to provide care consistent with accepted medical standards and that failure causes injury. This explanation appears in the word malpractice.
Legal guidance can help families determine whether their child’s condition may be connected to medical errors. An attorney may review medical records, consult medical professionals, and assess whether proper procedures were followed during labor and delivery.
Attorneys also help families document the long term impact of cerebral palsy, including future medical care, therapy needs, assistive equipment, and support needs. Care planning often considers decades of treatment, rehabilitation, and educational assistance that a child may require.
A cerebral palsy claim may allow families to pursue compensation for the financial and personal impact of a birth injury.
Damages may include medical expenses, therapy costs, mobility equipment, home modifications, specialized education, and future care needs, as well as compensation for pain and suffering related to the injury.
Oregon law places time limits on medical negligence claims. These deadlines determine how long families have to file a lawsuit after discovering an injury connected to medical care.
State laws governing physician conduct, including provisions within ORS Chapter 677, help establish standards for licensed medical professionals. Because filing deadlines can be complex, early legal guidance may help families protect their rights.
Birth injury cases rely heavily on medical documentation and careful reconstruction of what occurred during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Evidence may include prenatal records, labor and delivery notes, fetal monitoring strips, and neonatal medical records.
Medical professionals may also review imaging studies, developmental evaluations, and expert medical opinions to determine when the injury occurred and whether earlier medical intervention could have prevented it.
Many medical negligence claims are resolved through negotiated settlements after the evidence has been reviewed.
Some cases proceed to trial when a fair resolution cannot be reached. In those situations, medical records and expert testimony explain how the injury occurred and how it may affect the child’s future care needs.
Parents who suspect a preventable birth injury may begin by gathering medical records and documenting their child’s diagnosis, treatment history, and any medical explanations provided after birth.
Families may also benefit from speaking with a legal team that handles birth injury cases to better understand their options. At Paulson Coletti, we help Portland families evaluate potential cerebral palsy claims and explain the legal process for seeking accountability and financial support for a child’s long-term care. Call 503-226-6361 to discuss your situation with our team.
This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.