California Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Seeking Justice for Parents & Families After Medical Negligence in San Francisco
Raising a child with cerebral palsy often brings profound changes and challenges to families. Preventable medical errors can lead to cerebral palsy and other birth injuries, leaving parents with questions, anger, and escalating medical bills. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy in California, Peterson Injury Law can pursue justice and fair compensation for your family while you focus on caring for your child.
Our firm recognizes the deep financial, emotional, and physical burdens tied to a cerebral palsy diagnosis. With decades of experience and a proven record of securing record-breaking verdicts, our cerebral palsy lawyer approaches every case with compassion and thorough preparation. Our founding attorney has achieved noteworthy results in birth injury claims and holds recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America®, an honor granted to fewer than 0.05% of practicing lawyers nationwide.
Based in San Francisco, we routinely guide families through the local legal system. We review medical records from leading hospitals such as UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and California Pacific Medical Center. Our knowledge of the Bay Area’s legal environment enables us to navigate California’s unique medical malpractice regulations with confidence. By staying up-to-date on local healthcare and legal changes, we help clients make informed decisions throughout their case.
If your infant was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after medical negligence in California, we can relentlessly pursue justice. Contact us online or by calling (415) 630-2913 to discuss your case.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. This neurological condition results from a lack of oxygen to a baby’s brain during birth and causes long-term impacts on movement, muscle control, and posture.
A cerebral palsy diagnosis can leave families facing significant financial and emotional challenges. If medical malpractice led to your child’s condition, our firm can help you understand your legal options and pursue accountability from those responsible.
Families in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area have access to early intervention services, specialized clinics, and therapy programs designed for children with cerebral palsy. California’s network of regional centers, such as the Golden Gate Regional Center, offers resources to families with children who have developmental disabilities. Making use of these resources helps ensure children receive the therapies, treatment, and educational support they need for a strong start. By connecting families with trusted local programs, our team helps you build a foundation of care beyond the legal process.
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$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
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$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
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Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement
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“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”- Jennifer B.
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“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”- Quia K.
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“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”- Adrian B.
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“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”- Former Client
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“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”- Margaret C.
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“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”- Kristy N.
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“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”- Kiki A.
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“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”- Lila D.
What Are the Different Types of Cerebral Palsy?
Several types of cerebral palsy exist, each with distinct features and symptoms. These types include:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic CP is the most common type, making up about 70-80% of cases. Children with spastic cerebral palsy experience stiffness and trouble moving due to increased muscle tone. This condition can affect one side of the body (hemiplegia), both legs (diplegia), or all four limbs (quadriplegia).
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Dyskinetic CP, also called athetoid cerebral palsy, accounts for 10-20% of cases. It is marked by involuntary, uncontrolled movements that make it hard for a child to sit, walk, or carry out daily tasks.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy is rare, accounting for 5-10% of cases. Children with ataxic CP have problems with balance and coordination, which can result in shaky or imprecise movements. The need for ongoing care and adaptive devices often places significant demands on families.
Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Hypotonic CP brings low muscle tone, leading to weak muscles, poor posture, and delays in mobility. Children may face developmental delays in milestones such as sitting, crawling, or walking and require sustained medical and therapeutic intervention.
San Francisco offers treatment options that address these different forms of cerebral palsy. Local families can access specialized physical therapists and care planners who provide support tailored to each child's needs. This focus on adaptive care helps ensure children with varying cerebral palsy types receive targeted interventions over their lifetimes.
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Contact Our Nationally Acclaimed Attorney Today
When your child’s health is at stake, choose an experienced and compassionate legal team with a record of success in medical malpractice cases. Our litigator has appeared in Super Lawyers Magazine® every year since 2006 and is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®. These honors offer reassurance that your child’s future is in capable hands. We prepare every case for trial and provide unwavering support and personalized counsel for families.
We work with families in San Francisco and throughout California, guiding clients through every phase of litigation or settlement. Our knowledge of California law—including damages caps, local filing requirements, and the procedures in San Francisco County courts—enables us to tailor our approach for every client. Our local presence means we remain aware of new resources and developments, so we can support every family with current, regional insights.
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after medical negligence in California, call (415) 630-2913 to schedule a free consultation. Pay no legal fees until we recover a settlement.
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