$19.1 Million Awarded for Michigan Boy With Cerebral Palsy & HIE
A Michigan family was awarded $19.1 million after a federal judge found that medical negligence during pregnancy left their son E.K. with a severe brain injury and permanent disabilities.
The baby suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a condition caused by reduced oxygen and blood flow to the brain, around the time of his birth.
E.K.'s injury resulted in severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and significant cognitive and neurological impairments.
Today, E.K. requires a feeding tube and around-the-clock skilled nursing care. His cerebral palsy affects all four limbs, and his significant neurological impairments mean he needs extensive assistance with daily activities and lifelong medical support.
Our legal partners secured the $19.1 million judgment, which will help cover E.K.’s ongoing treatment, specialized equipment, and care needs throughout his life.
See if we can help your family too — get a free case review right now.
About the Detroit Cerebral Palsy Case
Despite mother Tanisha Bowers having a high-risk pregnancy, her physician failed to recognize and properly manage complications that required an earlier delivery. At 37 weeks and 3 days, Bowers experienced a near-total placental abruption and needed an emergency C-section.
Her son E.K. was born without a heartbeat and was not breathing. He had already suffered a severe lack of oxygen before birth, resulting in HIE, a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood flow.
Severe oxygen deprivation can damage brain cells and affect areas responsible for movement, muscle control, communication, and cognitive development. In E.K.'s case, the injury resulted in severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, meaning all his limbs are affected by abnormal muscle stiffness and movement difficulties.
His disabilities have a profound impact on several areas of his life:
- Movement and mobility: Severe spasticity affects all four limbs and limits his ability to move independently.
- Cognitive development: Brain injury has resulted in significant cognitive and neurological impairments.
- Eating and nutrition: He depends on a feeding tube for nutritional support.
- Daily independence: He requires around-the-clock skilled nursing care and assistance with daily needs.
“No family should have to fight this hard for a child whose injury should never have happened. The court recognized this was a preventable injury, and this judgment will help cover the lifelong care this child needs,” said Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law.
E.K.'s birth injuries are permanent, and he will require extensive care and support throughout his life. The family received a $19.1 million judgment to help cover his future medical treatment, nursing care, specialized equipment, and other expenses associated with his disabilities.
How Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Fought for the Family
E.K.'s Detroit cerebral palsy lawyer pursued a medical malpractice claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), alleging that Dr. Leslie Danley failed to properly manage Tanisha Bowers' high-risk pregnancy.
The case was filed in April 2022 against the United States because Dr. Danley worked at a federally funded health clinic. The family needed to establish that the physician's failure to meet the standard of care caused E.K.'s brain injury and resulting disabilities.
In May 2025, a federal judge ruled in the family's favor on liability, finding that Dr. Danley's negligence caused E.K.'s injuries. The case then moved to a separate trial to determine the amount of compensation needed to support his lifelong care.
Because a judge decides FTCA cases rather than a jury, the judge reviewed the medical evidence, expert testimony, and projected costs of E.K.'s future needs.
"In a cerebral palsy medical malpractice case, we generally have to prove two things: that the medical team failed to provide the accepted standard of care and that this failure caused or contributed to the child’s injury."
— Ricky LeBlanc, Sokolove Law Birth Injury Lawyer
After an 8-day trial focused on damages in January 2026, the judge awarded the family $19,130,512.90. The judgment will help E.K. access the medical care, equipment, and skilled support he needs throughout his life.
Find a Top Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Near You
When a child develops cerebral palsy because of preventable medical negligence, families may face significant medical expenses, specialized care needs, and uncertainty about the future.
Cerebral Palsy Guide helps families connect with experienced attorneys who understand the medical and legal complexities of these cases.
An experienced cerebral palsy lawyer can help families investigate what happened, determine whether medical providers were negligent, and pursue compensation to support a child's lifelong needs.
"If you’re wondering whether something went wrong, trust yourself. Getting answers can make a big difference for your child’s care and future. And that’s why we’re here — to help you find out what really happened."
— Ricky LeBlanc, Sokolove Law Birth Injury Lawyer
If you believe your child’s condition could have been avoided, call us right now at (855) 220-1101 or fill out this form for a free case review. Your family may be able to pursue compensation for your child’s care.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
