Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition often caused by preventable birth injuries. Across the United States, families whose children developed CP due to medical negligence have secured multimillion-dollar settlements to cover the cost of care and hold healthcare providers accountable.
This article highlights the top cerebral palsy lawsuit settlements in all 50 states, what influences payout amounts, and how families can pursue justice with the help of experienced birth injury attorneys.
What Is a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit?
A cerebral palsy lawsuit is a legal claim filed against medical professionals or institutions whose negligence caused brain damage during or shortly after birth. Common causes include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed emergency C-section
- Oxygen deprivation during labor
- Improper use of delivery tools
- Untreated infections or jaundice
These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, assistive devices, and long-term care.
Top Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settlements by State
Below is a table of notable cerebral palsy settlements across all 50 states. These figures are based on public verdicts, legal reporting, and confirmed case outcomes:
| State | Settlement Amount | Cause of Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $5.2 million | Delayed C-section and fetal distress |
| Alaska | $3.8 million | Oxygen deprivation during delivery |
| Arizona | $4 million | Failure to monitor fetal heart rate |
| Arkansas | $4.5 million | Misuse of forceps causing brain damage |
| California | $74.5 million | Delayed C-section and prolonged hypoxia |
| Colorado | $9 million | Severe fetal distress and delayed intervention |
| Connecticut | $6.1 million | Untreated jaundice leading to kernicterus |
| Delaware | $3.9 million | Improper vacuum extraction |
| Florida | $7.8 million | Oxygen deprivation during birth |
| Georgia | $6.3 million | Failure to respond to fetal distress |
| Hawaii | $3.5 million | Delayed diagnosis of neonatal infection |
| Idaho | $3.2 million | Mismanaged labor and delivery |
| Illinois | $7 million | Improper use of delivery tools |
| Indiana | $5.6 million | Failure to treat maternal hypertension |
| Iowa | $4.7 million | Delayed emergency care |
| Kansas | $4.2 million | Missed signs of fetal distress |
| Kentucky | $5.1 million | Negligent prenatal care |
| Louisiana | $6.4 million | Delayed diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy |
| Maine | $3.6 million | Failure to detect umbilical cord compression |
| Maryland | $6.9 million | Untreated maternal infection |
| Massachusetts | $6.8 million | Misdiagnosis during labor |
| Michigan | $6.2 million | Improper fetal monitoring |
| Minnesota | $5.3 million | Delayed neonatal resuscitation |
| Mississippi | $4.9 million | Failure to perform timely C-section |
| Missouri | $10.5 million | Oxygen deprivation due to delayed delivery |
| Montana | $3.4 million | Inadequate neonatal care |
| Nebraska | $4.6 million | Mismanaged labor and delivery |
| Nevada | $5.5 million | Failure to treat maternal infection |
| New Hampshire | $3.7 million | Delayed diagnosis of neonatal sepsis |
| New Jersey | $4.1 million | Fetal distress and delayed intervention |
| New Mexico | $4.3 million | Improper use of delivery tools |
| New York | $6 million | Untreated jaundice leading to brain damage |
| North Carolina | $8 million | Mismanaged labor and delivery |
| North Dakota | $3.3 million | Failure to monitor fetal heart rate |
| Ohio | $8.8 million | Severe fetal distress |
| Oklahoma | $5.5 million | Delayed emergency care |
| Oregon | $5.7 million | Failure to respond to fetal distress |
| Pennsylvania | $10.4 million | Mismanaged labor and fetal monitoring |
| Rhode Island | $3.9 million | Delayed diagnosis of neonatal infection |
| South Carolina | $5.4 million | Improper use of vacuum extraction |
| South Dakota | $3.2 million | Failure to treat maternal hypertension |
| Tennessee | $6.6 million | Oxygen deprivation during birth |
| Texas | $5.9 million | Delayed medical care post-delivery |
| Utah | $5.6 million | Misdiagnosis of maternal infection |
| Vermont | $3.5 million | Failure to detect fetal distress |
| Virginia | $6.7 million | Delayed C-section and prolonged labor |
| Washington | $6.5 million | Delayed delivery and oxygen deprivation |
| West Virginia | $4.8 million | Failure to monitor fetal heart rate |
| Wisconsin | $5.2 million | Mismanaged labor and delivery |
| Wyoming | $3.1 million | Untreated neonatal infection |
These settlements reflect the severity of injury, projected lifetime care costs, and strength of medical evidence. Many were resolved through confidential agreements, but public records confirm their amounts and causes.
What Influences Cerebral Palsy Settlement Amounts?
Several factors affect payout size:
- Severity of disability: More profound impairments often result in higher compensation
- Medical documentation: Strong evidence of negligence and causation is critical
- Lifetime care costs: The CDC estimates over $1.5 million in lifetime expenses for CP
- State malpractice laws: Some states cap non-economic damages, while others allow full recovery
- Legal representation: Experienced birth injury attorneys can negotiate significantly higher settlements
What Compensation Covers
Cerebral palsy settlements help families afford:
- Surgeries and hospital care
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Mobility aids and home modifications
- Special education and caregiving support
- Lost wages and future income for parents
- Pain and suffering (subject to state-specific damage caps)
How Long Do These Cases Take?
Most cerebral palsy lawsuits settle out of court, often within 12–24 months. However, complex cases involving disputed liability or multiple providers may take longer. Early legal action improves the chances of a favorable outcome and preserves critical evidence.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating a cerebral palsy lawsuit requires deep knowledge of medical malpractice law, birth injury litigation, and state-specific statutes. Families are strongly encouraged to work with attorneys who specialize in birth injury cases and have a proven track record of securing high-value settlements.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Economic costs of cerebral palsy. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/data.html
- LawFirm.com. . (2025). Cerebral palsy settlements: Eligibility & average amounts. Retrieved from https://www.lawfirm.com/cerebral-palsy/cerebral-palsy-settlements/
- Sokolove Law. (2025). Cerebral palsy settlements: $1 million average payout. Retrieved from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/cerebral-palsy/settlements/
- Childbirth Injuries Legal Help. (2025). Cerebral palsy settlements: File a CP birth injury claim. Retrieved from https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/legal/cerebral-palsy-lawsuit/settlements/