A cerebral palsy attorney helps families see if preventable medical mistakes may have led to a child’s diagnosis. If so, they can seek compensation for long-term needs. The process starts with medical records, a clear timeline, and qualified experts. However, not every case involves negligence. So, a careful review explains what the evidence can support.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy caused by a birth injury or medical negligence in Michigan, then please call us today at 1-866-MICH-LAW or start a free case evaluation form. We work on a no-win, no-fee agreement, and our attorneys are specialists in helping families in Michigan claim cerebral palsy compensation.
Key Takeaways
Cerebral palsy has many possible causes; a legal review shouldn’t assume malpractice.
The first step is usually records + timeline review, not courtroom action.
Strong cases rely on expert support and clear proof of causation and damages.
“Average settlement” numbers can mislead; needs and proof drive value.
You can request a free, no-obligation consultation and ask about deadlines.
Could medical negligence have played a role in your child’s cerebral palsy?
Parents often carry two thoughts at once. Cerebral palsy can be lifelong. The “why” can be unclear.
Start with facts. If you suspect medical negligence, a review typically looks at pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn care. Then it asks two questions: Did the care meet accepted standards? And does the medicine connect any mistake to the outcome?
What symptoms or complications were documented, and when
How quickly the team recognized risk and responded
Whether key decisions happened on time (or too late)
Whether the records support a clean, consistent timeline
Signs that usually justify pulling records sooner
Consider asking for a review if:
“We heard different explanations from different providers.”
“Something critical happened during labor or delivery, but no one clarified it.”
“The NICU stay was complex, and we still don’t comprehend what caused the consequence.”
Quick caution: A hard birth is not the same as malpractice. The goal is clarity. Nothing more.
What should you do right now if you’re considering a claim?
You don’t need a perfect file to call. You just need a starting point.
A few steps can make a consultation faster and less stressful.
Quick checklist: what to gather before you call
If you have them, collect:
Hospital and provider names (pregnancy, delivery, newborn/NICU)
Approximate dates (delivery date and major hospital stays)
Any discharge summaries you received
Therapy or evaluation notes that describe day-to-day needs
A short list of your biggest questions (3–5 bullets)
A short warning about evidence and timelines
Some information gets harder to track down as time passes. If you’re even thinking about legal options, ask about timing early. You can do that without committing to a lawsuit.
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects movement and posture. It can look very distinct from child to child. Some kids need light support. Others need long-term help.
This page focuses on the legal question families ask: could anything preventable in medical care have played a role, and what options exist if the evidence supports that?
Types of cerebral palsy that families may see in records
You may hear terms like:
Spastic (muscle stiffness and tightness)
Dyskinetic (involuntary movements)
Ataxic (balance and coordination challenges)
Mixed patterns (features from more than one type)
If you’re trying to translate medical language into next steps, a consultation can help you understand which records and evaluations matter most.
Does cerebral palsy get worse over time as a child grows?
This question comes up a lot. And it hits hard.
Cerebral palsy is often described as non-progressive, meaning the original brain injury does not spread. But daily needs can still change. Growth, fatigue, pain, and new demands can shift how CP affects a child.
What “non-progressive” really means
A simple way to think about it:
The injury is usually stable.
The impact can change with time.
Changes families may notice (and why they happen)
As kids grow, families may notice:
Tightness that shows up more during growth spurts
More fatigue after longer school days
Balance issues are becoming clearer as activities get harder
New pain complaints
Stress from routines and changes in independence
That does not automatically mean CP is “worsening.” Often, it means the plan needs an update.
Questions to bring to your child’s care team
If something feels different, ask:
“What is driving the change?”
“Do we need to reassess therapy plans or equipment?”
“What school or daily accommodations should we revisit?”
These cases come down to proof. Not suspicion. Not anger. Proof.
At a high level, the question is whether care met accepted standards. Then you ask whether a provable mistake connects to harm, with documented damages.
The proof framework (high level)
Most malpractice-based cases require evidence of:
The applicable standard of care
A departure from that standard
Causation (the connection between the departure and harm)
Damages (documented needs and losses)
Case viability checklist
A consultation is usually more productive when you can answer:
Do we have a clear timeline (pregnancy → delivery → newborn period)?
Are key records available (or can they be obtained)?
Is there a diagnosis and documented functional impact?
Do we understand long-term needs (therapy, equipment, care supports)?
Are there timing concerns we should discuss early?
How does Cochran, Kroll & Associates investigate a cerebral palsy case?
We keep the process practical. We follow the records. We test the timeline. We lean on qualified medical review when needed.
If your concerns involve emergency care during pregnancy or the newborn period, you may also want to read about ER malpractice concerns.
Records + timeline reconstruction
We typically start by identifying what records matter and building a timeline:
Prenatal care
Labor and delivery
Newborn course, including NICU when applicable
Key evaluations and follow-up notes
Expert review and Michigan malpractice requirements (high level)
Medical malpractice cases often require early, qualified medical review. In a consultation, we can explain what that usually means for your situation and what steps tend to come first.
Planning lifetime needs
If a case moves forward, families often need a clear picture of long-term supports. That may include therapies, equipment, accessibility needs, and other care-related planning. The details depend on the child and the evidence.
What compensation can be pursued, and why “average settlement” questions mislead
People search for a number. That’s normal. It just isn’t reliable.
“Average settlement” content skips the parts that matter most: proof, needs, and case-specific limits. Focus on categories of loss and the documentation behind them.
What damage categories usually matter
Depending on the facts and applicable rules, compensation may involve:
Medical care and therapy-related needs
Equipment and accessibility needs
Long-term assistance and support services
Other losses are tied to the injury and its impact
What actually drives case value
Case value often depends on:
Strength of liability proof
Medical causation support
Documented lifetime needs
How clearly the evidence connects the dots
If you want to see what the firm shares publicly, start with our verdicts and case results (past results are not a promise of future outcomes).
Contact Our Cerebral Palsy Attorney in Michigan
Families looking for answers often need a careful review of records, timelines, and expert input before drawing conclusions. A legal consultation can help you understand what a review typically involves and what your options may be.
Contact us at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and map out the strongest path forward. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you win.
Call us at 1-866-MICH-LAW anytime, 24/7, to schedule a free case evaluation. Want to hear from past clients? You can read client reviews.
What happens after you contact us
Here’s what most families can expect early on:
You tell us what happened and what worries you
We identify which records matter most
We explain what a review can answer (and what it can’t)
If the case appears viable, we talk through the next steps
Other ways our team helps Michigan families
If your situation involves other legal needs, you can explore:
Can lawyers review your case if you don't know what caused your child's cerebral palsy?
Yes. Many families start with unanswered questions. A case evaluation often begins with key records and a timeline so you can see what the evidence does and does not show.
Is cerebral palsy always caused by a lack of oxygen at birth?
No. Cerebral palsy can have different causes, and not every diagnosis traces back to a delivery-room event. A careful review looks at pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn care before anyone draws conclusions.
Does cerebral palsy get worse over time?
Cerebral palsy is often described as non-progressive, meaning the original brain injury does not spread. But daily needs can change with growth, fatigue, pain, mobility demands, and other health factors, so support plans often change over time.
What makes a cerebral palsy malpractice claim viable?
At a high level, a viable claim needs evidence of the applicable standard of care, a departure from that standard, a causal connection to harm, and documented damages such as medical and support needs.
What records are most important for an initial review?
Common starting points include prenatal records, labor and delivery records, fetal monitoring data when available, and newborn or NICU records. Your situation may require additional documents.
How long do these cases take?
Timelines vary. Medical malpractice matters often depend on collecting records, expert review, and the required steps in the process. A consultation can help you understand what usually comes first.
Should you trust "average settlement" numbers online?
Be cautious. Case value depends on proof, a child’s needs, and many case-specific factors. A responsible evaluation focuses on documented lifetime needs and what the evidence can support, not generic averages.
What kinds of compensation can be pursued?
Depending on the facts and applicable rules, compensation may include medical care and therapy needs, equipment and accessibility needs, and other losses tied to the injury. The right categories depend on the case.
Do you charge upfront fees?
Our firm offers a free, no-obligation consultation, and we handle many cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay fees unless we win your case.
Do you represent clients outside Michigan?
We primarily represent Michigan residents. Product liability cases may be handled nationwide, but medical malpractice matters are generally Michigan-focused.
There are several tests that can and should be taken to understand the cause of cerebral palsy. If you are the parent of a child with cerebral palsy and suspect the cause might involve medical negligence contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates for a free consultation.
The attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates have the skills, legal knowledge and experience needed to protect families who have a child with cerebral palsy because of malpractice and will seek to win payment for their clients’ injuries, expenses, and loss.
An attorney will lead your family through the steps needed to recover actual damages and may even assist in punitive damages being awarded. Actual damages are intended to restore a victim’s financial situation to a position roughly equivalent to what it was before the medical error occurred.
Levels of responsibility
Actual damages can be awarded for medical bills, lost income, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, mental stress, permanent disability and similar hardships.
Punitive damages, above and beyond those actually incurred by the victim, are intended to punish the guilty party for reckless or inappropriate behavior. Punitive damages also can function as a deterrent for others.
An attorney can collect damages for your family by proving that the physician or hospital was negligent. Cochran, Kroll & Associates will ensure a family’s economic security by seeking payments for the child’s continued care and ensure justice by pursuing punitive damages.
Cochran, Kroll & Associates devotes its practice to representing individuals who are the victims of medical malpractice, work place injuries, automobile, airplane, boating, truck or motorcycle accident. Essentially, if a person has been involved in any tragedy involving negligence and requiring compensation, Cochran, Kroll & Associates will provide whatever legal services are required.
Above all else, seek justice
Victims should not hesitate from filing a lawsuit for fear of filing a frivolous lawsuit. That is propaganda created by the insurance industry. Let your attorney, not an insurance agent, determine what’s frivolous and when justice should be pursued.
In America, a jury makes a decision on damages after hearing all of the evidence. The jury award is designed to compensate the injury victim. A fundamental right of all Americans is a trial by jury, allowing our fellow citizens to hear our case and to make a decision. Do not give up any of your rights as a citizen!
Act quickly
Statutes of limitation limit the length of time you have to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file a lawsuit within that time period you may forever be denied the justice due you. If you have a child with cerebral palsy and believe that you have a case for medical malpractice, it is critical that you seek legal help quickly.
If you believe your child is a victim, let Cochran, Kroll & Associates fight for your rights. There is no obligation for case evaluation and no fee is charged unless a recovery is made.
The Law Offices of Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. is dedicated to representing individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic losses as a result of injuries, disabilities and death. The firm does not represent insurance companies or corporations but instead bases its practice upon representing individuals and families.
RESULTS-DRIVEN TRACK RECORD
$15.8 Million
Medical Malpractice / Birth Injury
Monroe, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A young couple from Monroe, Michigan, was awarded a $15.8 million verdict as the result of their baby son, Jason, being inflicted with Cerebral Palsy as the result of an error during the final stages of a labor.
Result: $15.8 Million
$1 Million
Medical Malpractice/Wrongful Death
Oakland County, Michigan
What Happened:
While in the hospital a mother of three was not properly treated for a closed-head injury causing her untimely death.
Result: $1 Million
$1.4 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Brain Injury
Livonia, Michigan
What Happened:
A Livonia pedestrian recovered $1.4 million when he was struck by a commercial van resulting in a traumatic brain injury in Redford, Michigan.
Result: $1.4 Million
$9 Million
Medical Malpractice / Misdiagnosis
Wayne County, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
Patient suffered cardiac arrest and brain damage when a hospital failed to recognize internal bleeding and treatment was delayed for more than 14 hours.
Result: $9 Million
$3.3 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Tuscola County, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A Tuscola County jury awarded $3.3 million to a severely brain injured motorist as the result of a defective Michigan highway.
Result: $3.3 Million
$1.25 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Construction Site Injury
Flint, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A seventeen-year-old construction worker suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall in Flint, Michigan, and was awarded $1.25 million.
Result: $1.25 Million
$1.9 Million
Medical Malpractice
Wayne County, Michigan
What Happened:
Middle-aged woman suffered severe disfiguring facial burns from a simple surgical procedure.
Result: $1.9 Million
$3.8 Million
Medical Malpractice / Birth Trauma
Southern Michigan
What Happened:
Child developed cerebral palsy with developmental delays due to lack of oxygen and brain injury during labor and delivery.
A Westland construction worker recovered $1.5 million after sustaining a traumatic brain injury while on a construction site in Detroit, Michigan.
Result: $1.5 Million
$1.3 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Truck Accident
Marlette, Michigan
What Happened:
A Marlette, Michigan, family reached a $1.3 million settlement in the traffic death of their 5-year-old son when they were struck by a semi truck.
Result: $1.3 Million
$225,000
Medical Malpractice/Cancer Misdiagnosis
Redford, Michigan
What Happened:
The misdiagnosis of breast cancer resulted in a Redford, Michigan, woman recovering $225,000.
Result: $225,000
$125,000
Workers Compensation
Detroit, Michigan
What Happened:
A construction worker redeemed his worker’s compensation case for $125,000 in Detroit, Michigan.
Result: $125,000
$400,000
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Monroe, Michigan
What Happened:
A paraplegic woman from Monroe, Michigan, recovered Michigan no-fault benefits including the purchase of a new home and attendant care in excess of $400,000.
Result: $125,000
$2.2 Million
Medical Malpractice/Birth Injury
Brighton, Michigan; Detroit, Michigan
What Happened:
A Brighton family recovered $1.3 million and a Detroit family recovered $900,000 as the result of birth injuries and medical malpractice to their children.
Result: $2.2
$80,000
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Bay City, Michigan
What Happened:
A Bay City grandmother was awarded $80,000 following an auto accident resulting in a broken leg.
Result: $80,000
FREE CONSULTATION NO FEES UNTIL WE WIN
There is no obligation for a case evaluation & no fee is charged unless a recovery is made.
Your privacy is important to us. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. does not share, sell, rent, or trade personally identifiable or confidential information with third parties for any purpose.
