Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys
When a Diagnosis Changes Everything
You expected the first months of your child’s life to be filled with milestones, not medical terms you’d never heard before. But now you’ve been told your baby has cerebral palsy. In an instant, your world feels upside down.
Questions flood in: Will my child ever walk? Did something go wrong during birth? Could this have been prevented? And under it all is the constant worry about their future, and yours.
At Buchanan Firm, we understand how overwhelming this is. We’ve worked with families across Michigan who were blindsided by a cerebral palsy diagnosis, and we know the mix of fear, confusion, and determination you’re feeling right now.
Some cases of CP are unavoidable. Others happen because of preventable medical mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. If you suspect your child’s condition was caused by negligence, you have the right to get answers, and to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Our legal team will listen to your story, review what happened, and consult with our trusted medical experts. If malpractice played a role, we’ll fight to secure the resources your child needs, for treatment, therapy, and a life with the greatest possible independence.
The first thing we want you to know is this: you did not cause this. Parents often blame themselves when something goes wrong, replaying decisions and moments in their minds. But cerebral palsy is a complex condition, and in many cases, no action or choice by a parent could have changed the outcome. The responsibility, if negligence was involved, lies with the medical professionals and systems that were entrusted with your care.
You owe it to your child to find out what happened. Some cases of CP are unavoidable. Others occur because of preventable mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. The only way to know for sure is through a careful, time-sensitive investigation. Medical records can disappear or be altered, and Michigan law limits how long you have to take action. Acting now protects your legal rights and ensures you have the full picture before those opportunities are gone.
If you suspect something went wrong, tell us your story. We’ll listen, review your case with trusted medical experts, and guide you through your options, all at no cost and with no pressure. The consultation is free. The peace of mind is real.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and posture. It happens when part of a child’s brain is injured or develops abnormally, often before, during, or shortly after birth. The word “cerebral” refers to the brain, and “palsy” means weakness or problems using muscles.
CP is not caused by weak muscles or faulty nerves, the issue is how the brain sends signals to those muscles. In the U.S., about 10,000 babies are diagnosed with CP each year, with symptoms sometimes appearing right away and other times only becoming clear in the first few years of life.
Some cases are unavoidable. Others can result from preventable birth injuries, such as oxygen loss during delivery, untreated infections, or delayed emergency c-section. In those situations, families may have legal rights to seek compensation for medical costs, therapy, and long-term care.
At Buchanan Firm, our Michigan cerebral palsy lawyers work with trusted medical experts to investigate what happened and why. If negligence was involved, we’ll fight to secure the resources your child needs now and in the future. The sooner this review begins, the better. Medical records can be lost or altered, and Michigan law limits the time you have to act.
How Cerebral Palsy is Diagnosed?
There’s no single test for cerebral palsy. Doctors usually combine medical history, developmental milestones, and physical exams to look for signs, sometimes using brain scans to confirm or rule out other conditions. Most children with CP are diagnosed within the first year, but milder cases may not be identified until age 3 or 4.
If you’re worried your child isn’t meeting movement milestones, speak with your pediatrician right away. Early diagnosis opens the door to treatment and support. This is a lot to carry, and you shouldn’t have to carry it alone.
Trust your intuition, and trust us to find out if something went wrong. We can give you the clarity you need, this isn’t something you should ever carry by yourself. Talk to us, tell us what happened.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy happens when part of a child’s brain is injured or develops abnormally, often before, during, or shortly after birth. In some cases, the cause is clear. In others, it’s hard to pinpoint without a careful review of the pregnancy, delivery, and early medical history.
Common causes include:
- Lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during a difficult labor or delivery
- A traumatic head injury in infancy, such as from a fall or car accident
- Maternal infections that affect a developing fetus
- Infant infections that cause brain inflammation
- Genetic mutations affecting brain development
Finding the cause can determine what medical support and resources your child may be eligible for. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our team can investigate, consult connect you with our trusted medical experts, and find out if negligence played a role. Trust your instincts, but let us take on the work of getting the facts so you can focus on your child.
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FAQs About the Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Can a lack of oxygen during birth cause cerebral palsy?
Can a head injury cause cerebral palsy in a baby?
Can infections during pregnancy cause cerebral palsy?
Can a newborn infection cause cerebral palsy?
Can cerebral palsy be genetic?
What is a fetal stroke and can it cause cerebral palsy?
How is Cerebral Palsy Treated?
Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?
What kind of medical team will my child need?
What are the most common treatments for cerebral palsy?
- Home care – Nutrition, exercises, home safety, and making the space accessible.
- Physical therapy – Builds mobility, coordination, and muscle strength.
- Occupational therapy – Teaches skills for daily living and self-care.
- Medical devices – Braces, splints, glasses, hearing aids, or walking aids.
- Medications – For seizures, muscle stiffness, or drooling (e.g., anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin).
- Surgeries – May address pain, muscle tightness, feeding needs, or joint issues.
Are there alternative or additional therapies?
- Equine-assisted therapy – Therapeutic horseback riding for balance and posture.
- Acupuncture – To support motor function and reduce muscles
- Threshold electrical stimulation – Improves blood flow and muscle strength.
- Encouragement & participation – Promoting a positive, active lifestyle is just as important as medical care.
Where do I start?
Every child’s path is unique. The best next step is a thorough evaluation by specialists who can build a treatment plan. And if you have concerns about how your child developed CP, we can consult with trusted medical experts who will review the history and help you get the full picture.
Cerebral Palsy Resources for Michigan families
Finding the right support can make a huge difference for families navigating life with cerebral palsy. These organizations offer information, programs, and community connections to help your child build independence and quality of life, and to give you the support you need as a caregiver.
National Organizations
March of Dimes
Advocates for maternal and infant health, with education and support programs for families affected by birth injuries and developmental conditions.
My Child
A comprehensive resource hub with articles, treatment guides, and community forums focused on cerebral palsy.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
Offers nationwide services, advocacy, and information for people with CP and their families.
Michigan-Specific Support:
United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan
Connects families to local resources, therapy programs, accessible housing options, and advocacy networks throughout the state.
Related Resources for Families Facing a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Hearing the words “cerebral palsy” after your child’s birth can be overwhelming. You may be wondering how this happened, whether it could have been prevented, and what the future will look like for your family. If you suspect medical mistakes may have played a role, these resources from the Buchanan Firm can help you understand your options and take the next steps.
Was My Child’s Cerebral Palsy Preventable?
Learn how certain delivery errors can cause CP, what makes a case legally viable, and how compensation can support your child’s long-term care.
Common Birth Injuries
Understand the different kinds of birth trauma, including CP, and which warning signs might mean your child’s injury was avoidable.
Why Is My Newborn Baby’s Head Being Cooled?
Find out why some babies receive brain cooling therapy after oxygen deprivation, and why it doesn’t always prevent conditions like CP.
Is My Baby Normal?
Answers common questions about newborn seizures, muscle tone, and breathing issues, and when those symptoms could point to a birth injury worth investigating.
Oxytocin (Pitocin) Use and Birth Injury
Learn how improper use of labor-inducing drugs can cut off oxygen to the baby, leading to brain damage and CP, and what steps parents can take
Additional Resources for Michigan Families Living With Cerebral Palsy
Healthcare & Medical Support
MedlinePlus – Cerebral Palsy
National Institute of Health resource with information on symptoms, treatments, and research.
UCP of Michigan
Statewide organization offering guidance on local
Housing & Independent Living
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Supports accessible housing and community inclusion for people with disabilities.
Michigan Centers for Independent Living Directory
Statewide network connecting residents to local independent living services, housing resources, and advocacy.
Employment & Education
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Job placement, training, and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.
Early On Michigan
State program providing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.
Recreation & Community Inclusion
No More Sidelines
Inclusive sports and activities for children and adults with disabilities in West Michigan.
Therapeutic Riding Stables
Accredited equine-assisted therapy programs across Michigan.
If you’re not sure where to start, UCP of Michigan is an excellent first contact. And if you have questions about whether your child’s condition could have been prevented, Buchanan Firm can review your case and connect you with the right medical and community support.