Most families don’t wake up thinking they’ll need a cerebral palsy lawyer in Philadelphia. But after a difficult birth, a delayed diagnosis, or mounting medical bills, many parents begin to wonder if they’ve missed something—or if someone else did. What stops many of them from reaching out to a lawyer isn’t lack of evidence—it’s fear, misinformation, or guilt.
Let’s clear the air. This blog addresses some of the most common misconceptions families have about cerebral palsy lawsuits—and why legal action may be more accessible, helpful, and necessary than they think.
The Real Cost of Raising a Child with CP
Let’s talk numbers. According to the CDC, the lifetime cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy can exceed $1 million—not including lost income from caregivers needing to stay home or cut hours. From wheelchairs and therapy to home modifications and adaptive learning tools, the expenses stack up fast.
Health insurance rarely covers it all. Medicaid or CHIP may help, but gaps remain. A legal settlement or verdict can help families secure:
- Future therapy needs (speech, occupational, physical)
- Assistive technology and mobility devices
- In-home care or educational supports
- Specialized transportation or housing modifications
The point isn’t about cashing in. It’s about survival—financially, emotionally, and physically.
Do You Need Proof Before Speaking to a Lawyer?
This is one of the most common misconceptions. Many parents assume they need medical records, witness statements, or even a doctor’s confession before they can talk to an attorney.
You don’t.
A cerebral palsy lawyer in Philadelphia is trained to help investigate what went wrong. That means:
- Requesting and reviewing delivery records
- Working with medical experts to understand standards of care
- Looking for patterns of delay, misdiagnosis, or neglect
You don’t need to walk into the first meeting with a binder. You just need to ask the questions—and let the legal team do the digging.
How Legal Fees Work in Contingency Cases
Another common myth: “We can’t afford a lawyer.”
The truth? Most reputable birth injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- No payments unless your case is successful
If you win a settlement or verdict, the lawyer is paid a pre-agreed percentage. If the case doesn’t succeed, you owe nothing. This fee structure makes justice accessible—not something only wealthy families can afford.
What Happens If You File Too Late
Every state has a statute of limitations—and Pennsylvania is no exception. Generally, birth injury claims must be filed within two years of when the parents knew or reasonably should have known about the injury. But exceptions exist, especially for minors.
Still, time matters. Medical records get lost. Witnesses move. Memories fade.
Filing sooner allows lawyers to:
- Preserve critical evidence
- Build a stronger case
- Secure care and compensation faster
Waiting too long can close doors—even if your child clearly needs support.
Why Legal Help Isn’t About Blame—It’s About Support
One of the biggest emotional barriers to filing a claim is guilt. Some parents think:
“The doctors tried their best.”
“I don’t want to ruin someone’s career.”
“It just feels wrong to sue.”
But legal action isn’t about blame—it’s about accountability and support. If a preventable mistake led to your child’s diagnosis, asking for help is not an attack—it’s advocacy.
When hospitals or providers fail to meet professional standards, they need to answer for that. And families deserve the resources to care for their children without sacrificing everything else.
Clarity, Not Conflict
Getting legal help doesn’t mean starting a war. It means getting clear answers and charting a path forward. A good cerebral palsy lawyer in Philadelphia can guide you through the legal process, help you access care sooner, and give you space to focus on your child—not insurance paperwork.
If you’re wondering whether something went wrong during birth—or why your child didn’t meet early milestones—start with a conversation.
Visit Bosworth Law to learn more or request a confidential consultation. We’ll help you get the answers and support you deserve.
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