Cerebral Palsy Settlements

Cerebral palsy (CP) can change a child’s life forever. Families may be eligible for cerebral palsy settlements if negligence caused their child’s condition.

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy may mean paying for lifelong expenses that can average over $1.5 million. If your child was diagnosed with CP, our compassionate patient advocates can help you understand whether you qualify for a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement.

Reach out today to explore your legal options.

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What Are Cerebral Palsy Settlements?

Cerebral palsy settlements are financial agreements that result from medical malpractice or birth injury lawsuits. Lawyers representing families and medical providers negotiate CP compensation to avoid the hassle of going to trial.

While cerebral palsy settlements are specific to each child’s injury and lifelong needs, the average settlement secured by our partner law firm is around $2.5 million. Some claims may result in much larger compensation, depending on the case-specific details.

If medical negligence caused your child’s CP, seeking a settlement may help ease the financial burden of ongoing care. Her Case Matters can help you connect with experienced cerebral palsy lawyers who know how to negotiate settlements on your behalf.

Get your free case review today and see if you qualify to seek a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement.

Who Qualifies for Cerebral Palsy Settlements?

Families may be able to pursue cerebral palsy settlements if their child’s diagnosis was caused by preventable medical malpractice or negligence before, during, or shortly after birth.

Cerebral palsy medical negligence and malpractice may include:

  • A health care provider failing to recognize or respond to signs of fetal distress
  • Delayed cesarean section (C-section)
  • Improper removal with a vacuum extractor or forceps
  • Lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain
  • Untreated jaundice

Children with cerebral palsy are generally diagnosed within the first 2 years of their life, but it can take a few years longer in some cases. You don’t need to know what happened or have an official diagnosis to pursue a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement.

Once you get a free case review, the next step is meeting with a cerebral palsy lawyer. They’ll gather your medical records, consult medical experts, and determine whether your family may have grounds for legal action.

What Is the Average Cerebral Palsy Settlement?

The average settlement for cerebral palsy is around $2.5 million, but sometimes CP claims are worth much more. A cerebral palsy attorney negotiates settlements based on factors unique to each case, as shown by the evidence collected.

Our partner birth injury law firm has recovered $1.1 billion to date for families whose children have developed cerebral palsy and other serious health issues.

When the other party won’t settle, a birth injury lawyer may take their case to court. Verdicts can also result in cerebral palsy compensation and, in some cases, award more than a negotiated settlement.

Notable Cerebral Palsy Settlements and Verdicts

If you’re considering seeking compensation, it’s understandable to wonder what other families have received through out-of-court cerebral palsy settlements or verdicts.

While no attorney can promise a specific outcome, past cases can show how courts and insurance companies have valued claims involving preventable medical malpractice or negligence.

Examples of cerebral palsy case verdicts and settlements include:

  • $229.6 million awarded to a Maryland family whose child experienced oxygen deprivation during labor and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
  • $73.2 million for a New Mexico family after their baby went without oxygen during delivery and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
  • $31.5 million awarded to an Arizona family whose baby now has cerebral palsy after suffering oxygen deprivation.
  • $29 million for a Wisconsin family whose baby developed cerebral palsy after medical negligence.
  • $10 million awarded to a Florida family after their baby experienced medical malpractice and oxygen deprivation that caused cerebral palsy.
  • $48.1 million for a Missouri family whose child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after a brain injury.
  • $97.4 million awarded to an Iowa family whose baby developed cerebral palsy after improper vacuum and forceps extraction during delivery.
  • $120 million for a Michigan family whose child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after medical negligence.

“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.”

— Ricky LeBlanc, cerebral palsy lawyer

A cerebral palsy lawyer can review your child’s diagnosis, explain what factors may affect your claim, and help you understand what compensation may be available for your family.

Contact us now to take the first step toward a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement.

How Cerebral Palsy Settlements Help Families

Settlement compensation from a cerebral palsy lawsuit can provide resources needed to support your child’s health and independence throughout their lives with less financial stress.

A cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement could pay for:

  • Assistive devices
  • Future medical bills
  • Long-term care
  • Lost wages
  • Medical expenses
  • Occupational therapy
  • Ongoing care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical therapy
  • Special education services and therapy
  • Other related expenses

Every settlement is different because cerebral palsy lawsuits depend on each child’s condition. With that said, experienced cerebral palsy lawyers will work to recover as much compensation as possible in your case.

If you have questions about how cerebral palsy settlements cover related care expenses, call us at (877) 640-6101 to speak with our compassionate team.

What Affects Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?

Every child has different needs, so cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement amounts differ by case. Attorneys, insurance companies, and the courts consider several important factors when evaluating cerebral palsy lawsuit settlements.

Factors that affect cerebral palsy settlements include:

  • The child’s condition: Some children have mild cerebral palsy symptoms, while others need long-term assistance with mobility, communication, or everyday activities.
  • Current and future care costs: Lifelong care needs may include medical bills, physical therapy, home modifications, and other expenses.
  • Emotional and psychological harm: Courts may consider medical bills, pain and suffering, non-economic damages, and the long-term impact on both your child and your family.
  • Supporting evidence: Documentation showing that a health care provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care can strengthen cerebral palsy compensation claims.

Families don’t have to know everything about CP or the legal system before filing birth injury lawsuits. Experienced lawyers can collect evidence that strengthens cerebral palsy claims for those who qualify to pursue a settlement.

How Families Can Pursue Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settlements

Taking the first step toward cerebral palsy compensation can feel intimidating, especially when you’re already juggling appointments, therapy, and everyday family life.

An experienced cerebral palsy medical malpractice attorney can guide you through the legal process while you stay focused on caring for your child.

Here’s what you can expect while pursuing a CP settlement:

  1. Start with a free case review: Share your story, ask questions, and learn whether your family may have a birth injury claim.
  2. Review medical records: Your cerebral palsy lawyer will gather records and work with medical experts to determine whether malpractice or negligence contributed to your child’s CP.
  3. File your cerebral palsy lawsuit: If the evidence supports your case, your attorney will file your claim and begin seeking financial compensation before any filing deadlines.
  4. Negotiate a settlement: Your lawyer will try to recover CP compensation through negotiations or mediation while you take care of your child.
  5. Decide how to move forward: If the other party doesn’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney can discuss whether taking your case to court is in your family’s best interests.

If you qualify for a cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuit, you won’t be alone. Your lawyer will handle the legal process and keep you updated throughout each step.

How Long Do You Have to Seek a Cerebral Palsy Settlement?

You may not have begun thinking about cerebral palsy settlements until months or even years after your child’s diagnosis.

However, taking your first step toward a birth injury lawsuit quickly is crucial, as evidence including eyewitness testimony may get weaker or disappear with time.

Your state’s statute of limitations, or its filing deadline, may also determine if you can pursue compensation for cerebral palsy. Each state has different birth injury lawsuit filing deadlines, and some may be as short as 1 year.

While some exceptions may apply to cases involving children, you should still get legal advice from cerebral palsy lawyers sooner rather than later. They can protect your legal rights and give you a better understanding of your options before it’s too late.

Get your free case review today to get started without any upfront charges or commitments.

Get Help Seeking a Cerebral Palsy Settlement

If you believe preventable medical negligence or malpractice had a hand in causing your child’s cerebral palsy, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone.

Your family may qualify to pursue a cerebral palsy settlement with experienced lawyers who can handle the legal process on your behalf. While each case is different, many other families have received millions of dollars through out-of-court CP settlements.

Our partner cerebral palsy attorneys can:

  • Connect you with a team of registered nurses and help you get answers
  • Explain if you have a cerebral palsy claim without any upfront fees
  • Pursue cerebral palsy settlements nationwide
  • Seek CP compensation or represent you in court

Get a free case review or call us at (877) 640-6101 to speak with patient advocates who listen with compassion and help families pursue cerebral palsy settlements.

Cerebral Palsy Settlements FAQs

What is the lawsuit for cerebral palsy?

A cerebral palsy lawsuit is a lawsuit that families file against hospitals or health care providers. They claim their medical team caused preventable brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth that led to the child’s CP diagnosis.

Many cerebral palsy malpractice claims result in compensation through an out-of-court settlement, with some going to trial. If you’re among the many families interested in seeking a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about cerebral palsy settlements and whether you qualify.

Can I file a claim for medical negligence after 20 years?

No, families can’t often file a medical negligence claim after 20 years, but the specific timeline depends on the type of claim being filed. Cerebral palsy settlements are dependent on each state’s birth injury lawsuit statute of limitations or filing deadlines.

Those deadlines range from 1 to 4 years, so acting quickly is crucial. Reach out to our team now to learn whether your family qualifies for a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement.

What is the average payout for medical negligence?

The average settlement for cerebral palsy is around $1 million, but it varies by case. CP compensation depends on factors such as the severity of your child’s condition, future care needs, available evidence, and the long-term impact on your family.

Families don’t have to have all the answers before seeking cerebral palsy settlements. Call us at (877) 640-6101 to get answers and decide your next steps.

How long does it take to settle a medical negligence lawsuit?

Some medical negligence lawsuits settle quickly if the evidence is straightforward, while others may take years if additional investigation or a trial is necessary. In many cases, both parties prefer to settle out of court to avoid a lengthy trial.

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you understand what each new development means for your case and how long it can potentially take to resolve.

Is cerebral palsy considered a permanent disability?

Yes, cerebral palsy is considered a permanent disability because the brain damage that causes it won’t get any better. As a result, children may need lifelong care for physical and mental complications of CP.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with cerebral palsy was $1 million in 2003, which is just over $1.8 million in 2026. By pursuing cerebral palsy settlements, families can get help offsetting some of these long-term expenses.

Can you sue for cerebral palsy?

Yes, families may be able to sue for cerebral palsy and recover settlement compensation if their child’s CP was caused by medical malpractice or negligence before, during, or shortly after birth.

A lawyer can collect evidence to prove that part of your claim and determine a potential cerebral palsy injury compensation amount for your situation.

How much does it cost to hire a cerebral palsy lawyer?

Most cerebral palsy lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you generally won’t pay attorney’s fees or hourly rates unless they recover compensation for your family.

Once a CP settlement or verdict is reached, their fees are then deducted from the total compensation.

Get a free case review now to speak with our team about your legal rights. We can connect you with our partner CP law firm if you’re eligible to seek a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement.

Written by: Her Case Matters

At HerCaseMatters, we believe women deserve to be heard — especially when it comes to their health and safety. Too often, harmful drugs, devices, and corporate wrongdoing impact women’s lives without proper warning, support, or accountability. We’re here to change that. We work with trusted legal partners who are deeply experienced in holding powerful companies accountable. But more than that, we’re here to remind women everywhere that their pain is real, their experiences matter, and they deserve justice.

Last modified:
  1. 5 On Your Side. (March 26, 2025). Jury awards family $48.1M in Missouri’s largest malpractice case. Retrieved from: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/medical-malpractice-case-delivery-left-baby-brain-injury-st-louis/63-06d79fc0-1193-4c5b-8930-96108a9dd347.
  2. Mayo Clinic. (May 1, 2026). Cerebral palsy. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999.
  3. Minnesota Lawyer. (April 11, 2025). Minneapolis firm wins $29M verdict in negligence suit against midwife. Retrieved from: https://minnlawyer.com/2025/04/11/midwife-negligence-wisconsin-29m-verdict/.
  4. News4 Tucson. (November 17, 2023). Verdict against Banner Health results in Arizona’s largest medical malpractice award. Retrieved from: https://www.kvoa.com/news/verdict-against-banner-health-results-in-arizonas-largest-medical-malpractice-award/article_d650e9c4-8591-11ee-8df2-833e71ba07ef.html.
  5. Orlando Sentinel. (n.d.). Jury awards $10 million in ambulance birth. Retrieved from: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2010/04/05/jury-awards-10-million-in-ambulance-birth/.
  6. Santa Fe New Mexican. (n.d.). Santa Fe jury awards $73.2M in delivery that left infant disabled. Retrieved from: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/santa-fe-jury-awards-73-2m-in-delivery-that-left-infant-disabled/article_90275cd1-7a37-5b46-b232-20c0989668a5.html.
  7. The Baltimore Sun. (July 2, 2019). Baltimore jury awards record $229 million for brain injury during child’s birth at Johns Hopkins Bayview. Retrieved from: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/07/02/baltimore-jury-awards-record-229-million-for-brain-injury-during-childs-birth-at-johns-hopkins-bayview/.
  8. The Detroit News. (April 1, 2024). Wayne Co. jury awards $120 million to Detroit mom, son in birth trauma case. Retrieved from: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2024/04/01/jury-awards-detroit-mom-boy-120-million-award-in-birth-trauma-case/73166706007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z1102xxe1102xxv005658d–62–b–62–&gca-ft=109&gca-ds=sophi.
  9. The Gazette. (November 26, 2022). Clinic says it was ‘forced’ into bankruptcy after malpractice award. Retrieved from: https://www.thegazette.com/news/crime-and-courts/clinic-says-it-was-forced-into-bankruptcy-after-malpractice-award/article_0390e1dd-ca9f-5817-8a6d-de7df097b487.html.
  10. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (February 27, 2026). Screening for cerebral palsy. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cerebral-palsy/testing/index.html.
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