Fighting for Families: Q&A With Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Ricky LeBlanc
As a parent, it’s tough enough to manage the challenges of raising a child with cerebral palsy (CP). Between medical appointments, therapy, and ongoing care needs, it can feel overwhelming.
But when you suspect that a medical error caused your child’s condition, the uncertainty can add a whole new layer of stress. You might wonder where to turn, what your legal options are, and how to even start the process.
That’s where an attorney can step in and make a real difference. Cerebral Palsy Guide spoke with Ricky LeBlanc, an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer and Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law, to answer some of the most common questions parents ask.
In this Q&A, Ricky walks us through what families can do when faced with this difficult situation and how a CP lawyer can help navigate this challenging path. Here’s what we asked him along with his answers below.
Q: What does a lawyer for cerebral palsy do?
A: A cerebral palsy lawyer is an advocate who can help you understand your legal rights when you believe your child’s condition may have been caused by a medical mistake.
Cerebral palsy cases involve injuries sustained during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that could have been prevented with proper medical care.
Birth injuries can range from mild to severe, and some, like cerebral palsy, are lifelong conditions that usually require continuous medical treatment and care.
Cerebral palsy attorneys like the ones at my law firm can investigate whether medical negligence played a role in your child’s condition. This involves gathering medical records, speaking with experts, and basically getting to the bottom of what happened so that you have a path to justice.
Q: What should parents do if they think their child’s cerebral palsy was caused by a medical mistake?
A: If you suspect that a medical error played a role in your child’s cerebral palsy, the first step is to speak with a lawyer who focuses on birth injury cases. Many parents aren’t sure where to begin or even if they have a valid claim.
A CP birth injury lawyer can gather medical records and work with experts who can review the situation and provide insight. This information is crucial to proving that medical malpractice occurred.
Your cerebral palsy malpractice lawyer will be there every step of the way, explaining the legal process and what to expect as your case moves forward.
Q: How would a family know if they have a case?
A: Not every case of cerebral palsy is caused by a medical mistake, but if you had a healthy pregnancy and something just felt off during labor or delivery, that’s worth looking into.
A lot of the families we work with had that same gut feeling. Maybe doctors didn’t act quickly enough when the baby was in distress, or there was a delay in doing a C-section, or tools like forceps were used incorrectly.
These are things that aren’t always obvious in the moment, especially when you’re just focused on getting through the delivery.
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.
Q: Is there a time limit for filing a cerebral palsy lawsuit?
A: Yes, there is. Every state has a statute of limitations, which is the time frame during which you can file a lawsuit.
Generally, this period starts from the date of the child’s birth or the date the parents or guardians realize that medical malpractice might be involved.
The statute of limitations varies by state, and in some cases, exceptions may apply that can extend the timeline. It’s important to reach out to a lawyer as soon as you suspect there was a mistake, so you don't miss out on your opportunity to pursue compensation.
Q: What does the legal process look like for families?
A: The legal process for filing a cerebral palsy lawsuit can vary depending on the case, but it typically involves several key steps.
First, we'll review your medical records, birth history, and any other relevant information to assess whether medical negligence was involved. Our firm also works with medical experts and on-staff labor and delivery nurses who help us establish how the injury occurred and the lasting impact on your child.
If we believe there's a strong case, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf. After that, settlement negotiations typically occur. A settlement is often the best outcome since it usually allows families to access compensation faster and without the hassle of a trial.
Q: Will families have to go to court?
A: Not necessarily. While some cases do go to trial, most settle out of court. A lot depends on the strength of the evidence and the willingness of the other parties to negotiate a fair settlement.
A cerebral palsy negligence lawyer will work hard to make sure you’re offered a settlement that adequately compensates you for your child’s care needs and other expenses. But if a fair settlement can’t be reached, going to court may be the next step.
Q: What kind of compensation can families receive for CP?
A: Compensation can cover a wide range of needs, including medical bills, therapy costs, and any future care your child may require. Families may also receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages if parents have had to reduce working hours, and more.
On average, we secure around $2.5 million for clients affected by cerebral palsy. There's no guarantee, of course, but we're often able to reach successful outcomes for families — payouts that reflect the serious and ongoing care children with conditions like cerebral palsy often need.
The goal is to make sure your family has the financial resources to support your child's lifelong needs and provide them with the best quality of life possible.
Q: Can cerebral palsy settlements be set up to help families long-term?
A: Yes. A birth injury settlement can be structured to provide long-term financial support. This might include lump-sum payments or ongoing financial assistance, depending on what’s best for your family’s situation.
These long-term arrangements are designed to ensure that your child’s cerebral palsy treatment and financial needs are met for the rest of their life.
A cerebral palsy injury lawyer like those in my firm can help set up a plan that ensures your child’s care and needs are met for years to come.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a cerebral palsy birth injury lawyer?
A: Many birth injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay anything unless your lawyer secures compensation for you.
The fee is typically a percentage of the compensation awarded. This arrangement makes it possible for families to get the legal help they need without any upfront costs.
Q: What qualities should parents look for in a cerebral palsy attorney?
A: First and foremost, you want someone who truly understands birth injury cases and has experience handling cerebral palsy claims. But just as important is finding a lawyer who listens, cares, and takes the time to understand what your family is going through.
It can help to work with a national birth injury law firm that can connect you with the best attorneys in your area. These larger firms have more resources and cumulative experience, which helps them know what to look for and how to build the strongest case possible.
Ultimately, you want someone who is dedicated to fighting for the best outcome for your family and ensuring that your child’s future is protected.
With Sokolove Law, you get an established firm with a name people recognize. Defendants know we'll put up a fight, and it's in their best interest to resolve matters quickly.
Q: Do I need a lawyer who specializes in birth injury cases?
A: It’s best to work with a lawyer focused on birth injury cases. These cases can be complex, and an attorney with experience in medical malpractice and birth injury law will know how to navigate the legal maze.
General personal injury lawyers may not know what signs to look for to prove that negligence occurred. These cases can be complex and require a deep understanding of how labor and delivery should be handled. They also might not have registered nurses at their firm who can help them understand the medical side of what happened.
At Sokolove Law, we have a team of nurses who our clients can speak with and ask questions about their delivery and their child's condition at no cost. That kind of support can make a huge difference.
Q: What would you say to a parent who’s unsure about pursuing legal action?
A: I understand that it can be hard to think about taking legal action while you’re focused on your child’s care. With a birth injury attorney, you won't really have to do as much as you may think. We'll listen to your story, gather your medical records, and file your claim.
You may have to answer some questions for us or sign some paperwork occasionally, but this usually happens in the background of your life. This way, you can focus on your family while we take action.
It can also help to keep in mind that a lawsuit isn’t just about holding someone accountable — it’s about ensuring your child has the care and support they deserve.
Legal action can help provide the financial resources necessary for a lifetime of care. You don’t have to go through this alone. Your lawyer will be there to help guide you every step of the way.
Get help from attorneys for cerebral palsy
At Cerebral Palsy Guide, we’re so thankful when legal experts like Ricky LeBlanc take the time to explain cerebral palsy legal claims and help families understand their options. We know how life-changing getting legal help can be for families.
Experienced cerebral palsy lawyers can help you seek the financial compensation needed to provide your child with the quality care they deserve.
The lawyers in our network are available to help families across all 50 states. Together, they’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation for preventable birth injuries, including cerebral palsy.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call our compassionate patient advocates at (855) 220-1101 right now or get a free case review to see if we can connect you with a skilled cerebral palsy lawyer near you.
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
