Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Serving Washington Families
Providing Compassionate Legal Support for Families Across Washington and the United States
In Washington State, thousands of families welcome newborns each year with joy and anticipation. But for some, those first moments are clouded by unexpected medical complications that leave their child facing a lifelong disability such as cerebral palsy.
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), you likely have a lot of questions. Reach out to our cerebral palsy lawyers serving Washington for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights.
Tell us your story
Medical negligence at birth can cause a lifelong diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Our staff can help you understand your options. Call for a free consultation today. Our staff is ready to hear your story and walk through your legal options.
Key Takeaways for Choosing ABC Law Centers for Your Cerebral Palsy Lawyer in Washington:
- Medical negligence: If your child’s CP was caused by medical negligence during labor and delivery, like a delayed c-section, or failure to address fetal distress, we may be able to help.
- Exclusive focus: ABC Law Centers focuses our practice exclusively on birth injury lawsuits, including cerebral palsy diagnoses from birth.
- Statute of Limitations: For general medical malpractice cases in Washington, the injured person has three years from the date of their injury or when they discovered the malpractice to bring a lawsuit. Minors typically have until their 21st birthday to file a lawsuit.
- Why we fight for legal damages: The compensation you might receive from a lawsuit can help pay for medical care, therapies, and home modifications your child will need for life.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We always offer a free consultation to explain your options. After that, you owe ABC Law Centers nothing unless we win a verdict or settlement in your favor.
Trust the ABC Law Centers Team to Handle Your Washington Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects muscle tone, movement, and coordination. While CP can arise from a variety of factors, many cases are linked to preventable brain injuries that occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or the newborn period. When the cause is medical negligence—such as improper monitoring during labor, delayed emergency intervention, or oxygen deprivation—families have the right to seek justice and compensation.
At ABC Law Centers (American Baby and Child Law Centers), our sole mission is to advocate for children and families affected by birth injuries. For over 25 years, we’ve represented clients nationwide, building cases that secure the resources children with CP need to thrive.
We accept cerebral palsy cases in Washington by working directly with local counsel while handling the core legal work ourselves. Our attorneys will travel to you, meet with your family, and give your case the personal attention it deserves. We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
What Sets ABC Law Centers Apart
Birth injury litigation is different from other personal injury cases. These important and often challenging cases demand a deep understanding of both medicine and law, plus a commitment to pursuing cases over the long term. At ABC Law Centers, we bring:
- Decades of Focused Practice – Since our founding in 1997, we have handled only birth injury cases, with many involving cerebral palsy diagnoses.
- Nationwide Reach – We work with trusted local counsel around the country, including throughout Washington, while managing the central aspects of your case.
- Proven Results – Our firm has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for families facing lifelong medical needs and expenses.
- Leadership in the Legal Field – Attorneys Jesse Reiter and Rebecca Walsh have held leadership roles in national and state trial lawyer associations, including the Birth Trauma Litigation Group.
- Expert Resources – Our network includes top medical specialists, economists, and life-care planners who can help us fully evaluate your child’s needs.
- Commitment Beyond Court – Jesse Reiter founded the Reiter HIE Fund to advance research into one of the most common causes of CP.
How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy
When medical professionals fail to follow established standards of care, the result can be catastrophic. In the context of childbirth, negligence may involve:
- Ignoring warning signs of fetal distress
- Delaying a necessary C-section
- Not addressing umbilical cord prolapse or compression promptly
- Failing to treat maternal or newborn infection
- Administering labor-inducing drugs unsafely
- Mishandling instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors
- Providing inadequate resuscitation after birth
Early red flags that a baby’s brain may have been injured during delivery include abnormal muscle tone, seizures, breathing difficulties, feeding problems, and a need for intensive NICU care. As the child grows, delays in meeting motor milestones or trouble with coordination can also be signs of CP.
Washington’s Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Lawsuits
Every state establishes lawsuit filing deadlines. If a person misses this deadline, their lawsuit will likely be dismissed regardless of the strength of the evidence. In Washington, the statute of limitations that controls birth injury cases states:
- Standard Rule: Medical malpractice lawsuits generally must be filed within three years of the injury or within one year of discovering (or when you should have discovered) the injury—whichever comes later.
- For Minors: The law “tolls” the statute of limitations for children until they turn 18, meaning most minors can file until their 21st birthday.
- Special Circumstances: Additional time may be granted in cases involving fraud, intentional concealment, or certain procedural delays.
Because these rules can be complex, and missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim, it’s important to contact one of our attorneys as soon as possible to understand your rights.
Specialized Care in Washington NICUs
Babies with cerebral palsy often require intensive medical support immediately after birth. Washington State has several high-level NICUs capable of treating complex neonatal conditions.
Level IV NICUs (highest level of care):
- Seattle Children’s Hospital – Seattle
- UW Medical Center – Seattle
- Swedish First Hill Campus – Seattle
- MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital – Tacoma
- Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital – Tacoma
- Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital – Spokane
Select Level III NICUs:
- Evergreen Hospital – Kirkland
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center – Richland
- Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center – Vancouver
- Madigan Army Medical Center – Tacoma
- Overlake Medical Center – Bellevue
- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center – Vancouver
Even in top facilities, preventable mistakes can occur. If your newborn was in a NICU and suffered complications due to negligent delays or errors, legal action may help you obtain the care your child needs.
Local Support for Washington Families Living With CP
Navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy can be easier when you have a strong support network. Washington offers many resources for families, including:
- The Arc of Washington State – Advocacy and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- PAVE (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) – Helps families secure appropriate educational services.
- Washington DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) – Provides therapy, residential services, and support programs.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital CP Resources – Information and referrals for early intervention, assistive technology, and family support.
- United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) – National organization with resources and community connections.
We are Committed to Helping Washington Families Recover Compensation Through Legal Action
Pursuing a birth injury lawsuit can feel daunting, especially when all of your energy is on your child’s care. Our role is to make the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. When you work with ABC Law Centers, you can count on us to:
- Listen to your story and understand your family’s needs
- Gather and review medical records with top experts
- Explain your legal options in plain language
- Handle communications and negotiations with medical providers and insurers
- Fight for a result that helps provide for your child’s lifetime care
Call (248) 593-5100 or contact us below for a free, no-obligation consultation. We charge no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
The ABC Law Centers Team Serves Families Throughout Washington State
ABC Law Centers is available to represent clients in all regions of the state, including:
Seattle ▪ Spokane ▪ Tacoma ▪ Vancouver ▪ Bellevue ▪ Everett ▪ Kent ▪ Renton ▪ Yakima ▪ Bellingham ▪ Olympia ▪ Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland) ▪ Federal Way
We will meet with you in person, coordinate with local counsel, and manage your case from start to finish.