When your child is diagnosed with a complex neurological condition like Cervical Dystonia, your focus is immediately on finding the best medical care. You may be told the cause is “unknown” or “genetic.” However, in some cases, the root cause is something much more tragic: a preventable brain injury that occurred during birth. Consulting with a knowledgeable Cervical Dystonia lawyer can provide clarity on your legal options.

If your child suffers from involuntary neck muscle contractions, twisting, or painful head positions, it is crucial to understand that this can be a symptom of damage to the brain’s movement control centers damage that may have been caused by medical negligence. Uncovering this link is a complex task that requires a skilled Cervical Dystonia lawyer.

At CP Family Help, we specialize in investigating the true causes of childhood movement disorders. We know that a diagnosis is just the beginning of the story. Our legal team is here to find the answers you deserve and fight for the resources your child needs for a lifetime of care.

It is essential to work with a Cervical Dystonia lawyer who understands the intricacies of these cases and can help ensure your child receives the compensation necessary for a better future.

Understanding Cervical Dystonia as a Birth Injury

Cervical Dystonia (also called Spasmodic Torticollis) is a type of focal dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the neck. This causes the head and neck to twist or turn into uncomfortable positions.

While it can develop in adults, when it appears in infants or young children, it can be a sign of a static brain injury, such as Cerebral Palsy. Specifically, damage to an area of the brain called the basal ganglia, which coordinates movement, can lead to dystonia. This brain damage can be caused by:

  • Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain during a difficult labor or delivery.
  • Physical Trauma: An injury to the baby’s head from improper use of delivery tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor, or from excessive force during delivery.

A Cervical Dystonia lawyer investigates the events of your child’s birth to determine if a medical professional’s error led to the brain damage that caused this lifelong condition.

4 Legal Facts about Cervical Dystonia That Only a Lawyer Will Share

Navigating a complex medical diagnosis is difficult enough. Understanding your legal rights can feel impossible. Here are four crucial facts a birth injury lawyer knows that can change the future for your child and family.

1. Your Child’s Condition Can Be a Direct Result of a Preventable Birth Injury

This is the most important fact a lawyer will investigate. While a doctor’s job is to diagnose and treat the symptoms of Cervical Dystonia, a lawyer’s job is to uncover the cause. We know that a diagnosis of dystonia in a child is a major red flag for a potential birth injury. We will immediately move to secure fetal heart monitoring strips, delivery notes, and other records to look for signs of negligence, such as:

  • Failure to respond to signs of fetal distress.
  • A delayed emergency C-section.
  • Mismanagement of the umbilical cord.
  • Errors in resuscitation after birth.

2. The “Official Cause” on Paper May Not Be the Whole Story

You may have been told the cause of your child’s dystonia is “idiopathic” (meaning the cause is unknown) or genetic. An experienced Cervical Dystonia lawyer knows not to accept this at face value. Hospitals and doctors are often reluctant to admit fault. The “idiopathic” label is frequently used when a thorough investigation into the events of the birth has not been conducted. We dig deeper to find the evidence that others may have missed or ignored.

3. Compensation Must Cover a Lifetime of Highly Specialized Care

Cervical Dystonia is a chronic condition that often requires expensive, lifelong management. An insurance company’s settlement offer will rarely account for these extensive future needs. A lawyer will build a case to secure compensation for the full, true cost of your child’s care, which may include:

  • Medical Treatments: Regular Botox injections, medications, and potential Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery.
  • Therapies: Lifelong physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sensory integration therapy.
  • Adaptive Equipment: Custom seating, neck braces, and other assistive devices.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the chronic pain and emotional distress associated with the condition.

To do this, we work with medical and economic experts to create a comprehensive life care plan that details every anticipated future cost.

4. You Have a Limited and Complex Time Window to Take Action

Every state has a law called the Statute of Limitations that sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit. For injuries to a minor, these laws are particularly complex. The clock may start ticking from the date of the injury or from the date you reasonably should have discovered the link between the injury and the negligence. Waiting too long can permanently extinguish your right to seek compensation. A lawyer can explain the specific rules in your state and ensure your rights are protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We understand you have many questions during this difficult time. Here are some answers to those we hear most often.

My doctor never mentioned a birth injury. Can I still have a case?

Absolutely. Many doctors focus on future treatment rather than past causes. They may not be trained to spot medical negligence or may be hesitant to blame a colleague. A Cervical Dystonia lawyer brings a fresh, investigative perspective to your child’s medical history to determine if a birth injury occurred.

How much does it cost to hire a birth injury lawyer?

Our firm, and most reputable birth injury law firms, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront fees. We fund the entire investigation and legal process. We only receive payment as a percentage of the compensation we successfully secure for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

What is the first step in the legal process?

The first step is a free, confidential case evaluation. You can talk to our team, share your story, and we can begin our initial investigation to see if you have a claim. There is no cost or obligation for this review.

Talk to a Cervical Dystonia Lawyer Today

If your child suffers from Cervical Dystonia, you deserve to know if it was caused by a preventable medical error. Don’t let unanswered questions dictate your child’s future.

The experienced and compassionate team at CP Family Help is here to provide the answers and advocacy you need. We understand the medicine behind childhood movement disorders and the law that protects your rights. Contact us today for a free case review to learn how we can help your family.