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Birth Injuries

Boston Cerebral Palsy Attorney

Feelings of grief and betrayal make malpractice battles seem impossible. It’s a relief to know you have the right team behind you to fight for you and your loved ones.

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HURT? WE’RE HERE.

You’ve been injured, and everything feels uncertain—your health, your income, your sense of normality.

Before you sign anything with an insurance company, talk to someone who’s on your side. At Sweeney Merrigan we listen first, then fight for the compensation you truly deserve. Your recovery matters. Your future should be protected. You only get one chance to do this right. We’ll help you make it count.”

— J. TUCKER Merrigan
Attorney at Law & FOUNDING PARTNER

    If we don’t win, you don’t pay anything.

    Your recovery is our top priority and we have the means to see that you get the legal and medical care for a full recovery without any up front cost. You pay nothing out of pocket and we don’t get paid until you win.

    Start Your Free Consultation

    How does Your free consultation work?

    1. Quick Intro phone Call CONVERSATION

    You give us a call, and we’ll ask a few quick questions—when and where the accident happened, what type of accident it was, and what injuries you’ve experienced.

    2. Meet your SWEENEY MERRIGAN Attorney

    We’ll schedule a consultation in whatever way works best for you—in person, over Zoom, or just by phone. Your comfort and wellbeing always come first.

    3. Just bring Yourself. NO PAPERWORK NEEDED.

    Just show up as you. We’ll talk through what happened, explain the help available, and walk you through what opening a case would look like.

    4. Decide When you’re Ready. THEN LET’S BEGIN.

    We’ll take it from there and guide you through every step. You can move forward right away or take time to decide—no pressure, only support.

    Call us now

    Real People

    DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

    Over 1,000 Google Reviews →

    Personal Injury

    “Honestly, the best injury lawyers in Boston. Their entire team made me feel comfortable through tough times. I got great results, better than excepted. They helped me navigate situations that were uncomfortable and treated me as if I were family”

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    — Emily S.

    Boston, MA

    CAR ACCIDENT

    “Right before the pandemic shut down in March of 2020, I was in a car accident which left me with lower back pain. With surgery pending, I felt sad and hopeless until a friend of my daughter recommended me to Sweeney and Merrigan Law LLP. It was awesome working with Erin E McHugh, but Alexa Baker was there to answer any question I had no matter what time of the day it was. And that assured me that someone cared about my health. I just want to say thanks for all the help and support and I would definitely recommend the Law firm to others.”

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    — Dawn C.

    Worcester, MA

    Personal Injury

    I originally highered a top notch personal injury law Attorney for my personal injury case. After 8 months of holding my case [firm name omitted] dropped me? I called Sweeney Merrigans office and I was taken in as a client immediately. Maggie was unbelievable and the constant contact reassuring me about every step. It didn’t take very long to settle the case (less then a year) and the turn around for payment. Please don’t hesitate to call Sweeney Merrigan for all questions and personal injury cases. You will be happy you did.

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    — Sandy S.

    Boston, MA

    CAR ACCIDENT

    “Previous to Sweeney&Merrigan I had chosen a law firm that seem to have little to no movement with my car accident case . I than decided to switch firms I can’t express how great full I am to have Sweeney&Merrigan law step in and take over phone calls were answered messages were responded to the communication was incredible and easy aside from filling out a few forms they really put in all the work and had my settlement completed within months they will be my recommendation of choice to any one in need of service and first choice if I find myself great experience!”

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    — Maria S.

    Worcester, MA

    Dog Bite

    “This team listened to our cry for help.

    Our daughter was attacked by a dog (pit) and we were lost on how to get help on medical bills. We decided to take the legal route and sue the ones responsible for our 3 year olds pain and trauma. This team called, texted, emailed, and personally came to our house (twice, from Boston to SPRINGFIELD) in support for our family.

    To Carleen our attorney, you have helped me personally go through the toughest thing a mother can go through, seeing my daughter suffer 3 surgeries. Scars she’ll have for the rest of her life but a settlement that will help her overcome and future obstacle.

    This team during court presented esteem professionalism, as the Judge took notice and thanked them directly for. I pray I never have to repeat this process, but I sleep easy knowing they’re in my corner.”

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    — Jessica S.

    Boston, MA

    Drunk Driver Accident

    I would definitely recommend Sweeney Merrigan to anyone!
    I can’t say enough about Sweeney Merrigan. As someone who worked in this industry, I have seen how easy it is to be consumed with so much work that communication suffers. I was in a near-fatal accident, where I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. I chose Sweeney Merrigan and I’m so happy I did! Tucker was always very prompt in returning emails and phone calls. Any questions or concerns, he would make sure to clarify and explain everything. It says a lot to have someone who truly cares about their clientele! I would definitely recommend Sweeney Merrigan to anyone!”

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    — Jackie R.

    Boston, MA

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    “When you find yourself in a tough situation after an accident, you can be 100% sure to rely on this injury law firm to have your back! 10/10!!”

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    Shaniya Nevith

    Client

    “The team at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is absolutely amazing. They are very professional, kind and courteous, and always willing to go the extra mile for their clients.”

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    Lilliana Seng

    Client

    “…the Sweeney Merrigan team stayed with me through a long and unique case. It was my first experience needing a legal team. Heather and Erin could always explain where we were in the process and what my options were along the way. I don’t want to get hurt again, but if I do, I know who I’m calling.”

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    Berkley Stevens

    Client

    • It wasn't your fault, but now you're facing the pain of what happened and it's overwhelming. Not only are you hurt, but there are bills and insurance claims and doctor visits mounting among other stresses. Where do you go from here?

    • When you meet with Sweeney Merrigan for your free case consultation, we'll review what happened, what your facing, and how we can help alleviate your burdens and seek justice for you, so you can focus on healing.

    • When your case starts, we'll work to determine the settlement you deserve – and then we fight for it. The first phase is the settlement process. We'll work with the parties involved to seek the settlement you deserve.

    • If a settlement can't be reached that meets what you deserve, we aren't afraid to take your case to court and fight for a settlement that does. We won't be push you to settle for less that you deserve, and we'll review your options with you at every step of the process.

    • During the discovery process we'll gather evidence and build your case.

    • During the process of preparing for trial, there may be opportunities to reach a settlement (now called an alternate dispute resolution). We'll be with you through all of it.

    • Court can seem intimidating. We're fully prepared to handle your case through trial. As experienced trial attorneys, we're fully equipped to take cases to court and win.

    What a Case with Your ATTORNEY Looks like.

    Lawyers That Stand With You.

    Our mission is to push the limits of how we handle cases. Not for our benefit, but for yours. When you are the priority, the results will speak for themselves.

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    $16.9 MILLION

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    $84.1 Million

    Massachussets Opioid Epidemic

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    $20 Million

    Medical Malpractice

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    $2.3 Million

    Product Liability

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    Pedestrian Accident

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    $9.5 Million

    Traumatic Brain Injury

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    $1.25 Million

    Motor Vehicle Collision

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    $9.0 Million

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    MORE ABOUT
    Cerebral Palsy

    What is Cerebral Palsy?

    Many cases of cerebral palsy are caused by medical error or neglect either before, during or immediately after the delivery of a newborn child. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for certain complications that affect a baby’s developing brain. Injury to the brain of a baby can result in a loss of motor function, posture, and muscle coordination at varying degrees of severity. While there is no single cause for cerebral palsy, it is perhaps the most common problem for babies born in the United States, occurring on average in 2 out of every 1,000 babies. As a birth injury, many cases of cerebral palsy are due to medical error or negligence by medical staff. If medical error led to a brain injury, the medical professionals who were negligent should be identified so that they do not harm another child.

    What are its Causes?

    Cerebral palsy may be caused by a wide variety of factors including:

    • Birth asphyxia or hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) during delivery
    • Undiagnosed medical issues not accounted for by the delivery doctor
    • Misuse of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labor
    • Misuse of Pitocin or other drugs or methods to induce labor
    • Slow or inadequate response to trauma during and after labor

    There are many causes of cerebral palsy and determining the exact reason for the condition may require expert analysis of medical records by seasoned medical investigators and a legal team committed to finding the truth. The Boston cerebral palsy attorneys of Sweeney Merrigan have the resources and the commitment necessary to find the truth.

    Why Might I Need a Boston Cerebral Palsy Attorney?

    If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or you suspect your child may have this condition, because he/she is not reaching cognitive and physical milestones, you may need to consult with a Boston cerebral palsy attorney.  If your child’s condition has been caused or made more severe as a result of medical malpractice, birth injury, failure to diagnose or any other medical failure in the mother or child’s care before, during or after delivery, you may need substantial economic support to provide the life your child deserves. Caring for a child with this condition requires highly specialized resources. Those who caused your child’s condition should be held accountable.

    Sweeney Merrigan has the legal and medical resources necessary to investigate and litigate these extremely complex cases.  The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you obtain the compensation and justice you and your family deserve if cerebral palsy was the result of medical malpractice. Our law firm has decades of experience handling the most complex legal and medical challenges imaginable. Our medical investigators will pore over every detail of your case to determine the cause of your child’s cerebral palsy and determine whose error led to this diagnosis

    Plaintiffs file claims against the hospital staff when their children are born with cerebral palsy due to substandard medical care. The claim works to cover the costs of treatment, pain, and suffering. It is important to gather as many facts as possible because medical injury claims are difficult to prove.

    Parents and legal guardians of the child are both able to file claims against a negligent staff member. Other than the statute of limitations of three years, another reason to file quickly is so the child can begin treatment. He or she will likely need to undergo an exhaustive set of treatments that account for social, emotional, and physical challenges. Because of the extensive care required, cerebral palsy compensation claims are large and the claim process is long.

    How to Recognize Negligence in Boston Cerebral Palsy Cases

    Negligence is defined by a doctor, nurse, or other staff member who provides substandard care that leads to injury. Your doctor may have provided substandard care, but unless your lawyer can prove the negligence directly led to cerebral palsy, you will not receive compensation.

    The claim is meant to provide families with the means to adequately handle the extensive medical challenges brought on by cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is not curable; it is a problem that lasts for the duration of the child’s life. Compensation, therefore, is massive and covers a huge range of expenses, including:

    • Workers’ compensation, if the mother is unable to return to her job
    • All required therapy, including physical, occupational, and physiotherapy
    • Medical equipment
    • Pain and suffering
    • Education costs
    • Home changes, upgrades, and other accommodations
    • All medical care
    • Perceived (long-term) medical costs

    What Compensation Can I Receive for Cerebral Palsy Claims in Boston?

    There are too many variables at play to accurately state how much money your claim will return. Compensation is based on how negligent the medical staff was, the hospital environment at the time, the severity of the child’s cerebral palsy, the financial well-being of the family and other factors.

    Massachusetts has non-economic damage of $500,000 rule, which means certain damages will only return so much money. Non-economic damages include intangible problems like stress, depression, and suffering. More compensation is typically awarded for economic damages, such as lost income and medical costs. These yield measurable quantities of money estimated for a lifetime.

    Contact Sweeney Merrigan Law today to get assistance handling your child’s cerebral palsy claim. We are one of the top injury firms in Boston and can help you reclaim the life of you and your child. Do not struggle with cerebral palsy alone; let us help you.

    Facts about Cerebral Palsy that Affect Boston Claims

    The condition is neither contagious nor curable. Cerebral palsy generally does not increase or decrease in severity over time. The many disorders that result from cerebral palsy impact a child’s motor development, posture, and physical abilities to varying degrees. It is nearly always the result of an individual trauma or series of disturbances to the brain. These are most often brain injuries that occur during, before or immediately after birth. While some challenges related to cerebral palsy may be obvious and present as soon as a child is born, many signs and symptoms do not manifest until a child is much older. Some children do not show obvious signs until they are several years old.

    Lack of oxygen, untreated or undiagnosed maternal medical conditions, undiagnosed infection and other complicated medical conditions are some of the many examples that can lead to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. The physical, intellectual and emotional impact of cerebral palsy can be significant:

    • Blindness
    • Hearing loss
    • Impairment of speech
    • Mobility and motor skills issues
    • Severe intellectual impairment
    • Seizures

    Cerebral palsy can lead to a wide-range of behaviors and impairments depending on the injury suffered and the impacted area of the brain. While there are some common conditions related to all forms of cerebral palsy and the severity of symptoms can vary widely, the following are the most common classifications of the condition.

    • Spastic cerebral palsy generally includes intense muscle contractions that are either unpredictable or constant and may lead to immobility. Muscle tension may lead to deformity and problems with swallowing, speaking and walking.
    • Extrapyramidal cerebral palsy is usually identified by involuntary extension or bending of the limbs, defects in posture, difficulty with speech and rigid muscle tone in certain areas of the body. Facial contortions may also result and severe mental impairment is often present.
    • Mixed cerebral palsy may involve symptoms related to both spastic and extrapyramidal types. These children have typically experienced a very serious injury that has caused massive damage to extensive areas of the brain.
    • Ataxic cerebral palsy—while the least common—is particularly common among preterm babies. Sitting upright and standing may be incredibly difficult and the walking gait, if the child walks at all, can be severely impacted. Fine motor skills may be substantially impaired. While children with this type of cerebral palsy may have nearly normal intellectual development, they may have severe physical limitations. These limitations can lead to cognitive problems if the child does not receive appropriate mental stimulation and educational challenges. Ataxic cerebral palsy may not be diagnosed until the child tries to sit upright or walk which may not occur until the child is approximately a year old.

    While the brain injuries that lead to cerebral palsy can never be reversed, children who receive proper medical intervention and supportive therapy can achieve many physical and cognitive milestones and lead happy and healthy lives. Early intervention is essential and treating a child with cerebral palsy can be incredibly expensive since each child must receive customized treatment based on their specific needs. In order to obtain the most beneficial treatment, parents of children with cerebral palsy need substantial financial support. Treatment for cerebral palsy is often a lifelong investment.

    Because your child deserves the most exceptional treatment available, you should get justice for the medical errors that led to your child’s condition. Contact the team at Sweeney Merrigan at (774)-235-6723 as soon as possible to get the justice and compensation your child deserves if their cerebral palsy was the result of a medical error.

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    LOCATION

    Our Offices
    Our Neighborhood

    Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Attorneys

    (413) 553-5290

    268 Summer Street, LL
    Boston, MA 02210

    Sweeney Merrigan is a trusted personal injury law firm committed to fighting for justice and securing maximum compensation for our clients. With decades of experience, our compassionate and skilled attorneys provide personalized legal support for car accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and more.

    Our Neighborhood

    (413) 553-5290

    Our main office is located just off of 290, north of Highland street.

    Close by, you’ll find Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum, and some the Museum of icecream. Some local favorites for dining include Mooo…. Seaport, Row 34 – Seaport, and Citrus and Salt Boston.