Nevada Cerebral Palsy Resource Guide

Medical facilities for diagnosing cerebral palsy in Nevada

Children suspected of having cerebral palsy generally benefit from evaluation by pediatric neurologists, developmental pediatricians, neonatologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Several Nevada medical centers provide comprehensive diagnostic services.

University Medical Center Children’s Hospital
Address: 1800 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102
Phone: (702) 383-2000
Website: https://www.umcsn.com

UMC Children’s Hospital is southern Nevada’s only designated pediatric Level I Trauma Center and offers pediatric neurology, neonatal intensive care, developmental medicine, diagnostic imaging, and multidisciplinary evaluation for children with neurological disorders.

Renown Children’s Hospital
Address: 1155 Mill Street, Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 982-5437
Website: https://www.renown.org

Renown Children’s Hospital provides pediatric neurology, developmental assessments, neonatal follow-up services, advanced imaging, and specialty clinics for children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions.

Sunrise Children’s Hospital
Address: 3186 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (702) 961-5000
Website: https://sunrisechildrenshospital.com

Sunrise Children’s Hospital offers pediatric neurological services, neonatal intensive care, developmental evaluations, and coordinated care for infants and children experiencing motor delays or neurological injuries.

Treatment and therapy for cerebral palsy in Nevada

Successful management of cerebral palsy usually involves long-term therapy designed to maximize mobility, communication, strength, independence, and participation in everyday activities. Nevada families have access to several multidisciplinary treatment programs.

Renown Pediatric Therapy Services
Address: 75 Pringle Way, Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 982-5000
Website: https://www.renown.org

Renown provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, feeding therapy, and rehabilitation services tailored to children with neurological and developmental disabilities.

UMC Children’s Therapy Services
Address: 1800 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102
Phone: (702) 383-2000
Website: https://www.umcsn.com

UMC offers comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, while coordinating care among neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, and pediatric specialists.

Capability Health & Human Services
Address: 4461 Cameron Street, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Phone: (702) 870-7050
Website: https://www.capabilityhs.org

Capability Health & Human Services has served Nevada families for decades through pediatric therapy programs, early intervention services, adaptive equipment assistance, and family-centered developmental support.

Recreational therapy and summer camps for children with disabilities in Nevada

Recreational activities encourage physical development, social interaction, confidence, and independence. Several Nevada organizations offer inclusive programs for children with physical disabilities.

Camp Cartwheel (Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation)
Address: One Breakthrough Way, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Phone: (702) 735-8434
Website: https://nvccf.org/camp-cartwheel/

Although originally developed for children with serious medical conditions, Camp Cartwheel provides medically supervised recreational experiences and welcomes many children with significant health needs in an inclusive camp environment.

Miracle League of Las Vegas
Address: 1020 E. St. Louis Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: (702) 880-5682
Website: https://www.miracleleaguelasvegas.com

The Miracle League offers adaptive baseball and recreational opportunities for children with physical and developmental disabilities, including many with cerebral palsy.

Nevada PEP Adaptive Recreation Programs
Address: 7211 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89117
Phone: (702) 388-8899
Website: https://nvpep.org

Nevada PEP partners with community organizations to connect families with adaptive recreation, inclusive camps, and accessible extracurricular programs throughout the state.

Organizations that support cerebral palsy in Nevada

Families often need more than medical care. Parent education, advocacy, financial assistance, and peer support can make navigating a cerebral palsy diagnosis less overwhelming.

Nevada PEP (Parents Encouraging Parents)
Address: 7211 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89117
Phone: (702) 388-8899
Website: https://nvpep.org

Nevada PEP serves families of children with disabilities by providing educational advocacy, transition planning, Individualized Education Program (IEP) assistance, workshops, and one-on-one family support.

The Arc of Nevada
Address: Statewide Organization
Phone: (775) 782-4834
Website: https://www.arcofnevada.org

The Arc advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, community inclusion, public policy initiatives, and family resources.

Capability Health & Human Services
Address: 4461 Cameron Street, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Phone: (702) 870-7050
Website: https://www.capabilityhs.org

Capability Health provides pediatric therapies, family education, developmental services, and community support programs that assist children with cerebral palsy from infancy through adulthood.

Transportation services for the disabled in Nevada

Reliable transportation is essential for children with cerebral palsy who require regular medical appointments, therapy sessions, and educational services. Nevada offers several accessible transportation programs throughout the state.

Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC ADA Paratransit)
Address: 600 S. Grand Central Parkway, Suite 350, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Phone: (702) 228-4800
Website: https://www.rtcsnv.com

RTC ADA Paratransit provides door-to-door transportation for eligible individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using fixed-route bus service throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

RTC Access (Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County)
Address: 600 Sutro Street, Reno, NV 89512
Phone: (775) 348-5438
Website: https://rtcwashoe.com

RTC Access offers ADA-compliant paratransit services throughout Reno, Sparks, and surrounding Washoe County communities for qualifying riders with disabilities.

Jump Around Carson (JAC)
Address: 3770 Butti Way, Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 841-7433
Website: https://www.carson.org

JAC operates accessible fixed-route and paratransit transportation for eligible residents throughout Carson City, helping families travel to medical appointments, schools, and community programs.

Fundraisers supporting cerebral palsy and children with disabilities in Nevada

Several Nevada organizations host annual fundraising events that help provide therapy, adaptive equipment, family assistance, and recreational opportunities for children with disabilities.

Capability Health Annual Events
Website: https://www.capabilityhs.org

Capability Health conducts annual fundraising events that support pediatric therapy programs, early intervention services, and assistance for families raising children with developmental disabilities.

Miracle League of Las Vegas Community Fundraisers
Website: https://www.miracleleaguelasvegas.com

The Miracle League organizes fundraising events throughout the year to support adaptive baseball, inclusive recreation, and specialized athletic opportunities for children with disabilities.

Nevada PEP Annual Giving Campaign
Website: https://nvpep.org

Nevada PEP sponsors educational events and fundraising campaigns that help expand family education, advocacy services, and special education resources across Nevada.

Legal rights for children with cerebral palsy in Nevada

Children with cerebral palsy and their families may qualify for numerous legal protections and public benefits under both Nevada and federal law.

• Nevada Medicaid covers medically necessary physician care, hospital services, therapies, durable medical equipment, prescription medications, and many rehabilitation services for eligible children.
• Nevada’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs may provide in-home assistance, respite care, personal attendants, and other long-term support services for qualifying individuals.
• Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Nevada special education regulations, eligible children have the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), individualized educational planning, and related school-based therapies.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit disability discrimination in schools, employment, public services, and public accommodations.
• Nevada’s Equal Rights Commission enforces state laws prohibiting disability discrimination in employment and housing.
• Families may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security disability benefits, and Nevada Medicaid based upon financial and medical eligibility.
• Nevada recognizes reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in housing under both state law and the federal Fair Housing Act.
• Family caregivers may qualify for respite care, home health assistance, caregiver training, and support services through Nevada Aging and Disability Services programs and Medicaid-funded waiver services.
• Nevada’s Early Intervention Services program provides developmental evaluations and therapy for eligible infants and toddlers from birth through age three.

Helpful info for families dealing with cerebral palsy in Nevada

Receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but many Nevada families discover that early planning helps. A coordinated care team of primary care providers, specialists, therapists, and educators can help ensure that treatment, education, and support remain consistent as a child grows.

Because many families outside of Las Vegas and Reno travel long distances for specialty care, it’s worth asking providers about telehealth appointments, satellite clinics, and therapy closer to home. Nevada’s early intervention programs, school districts, and family advocacy organizations work together to coordinate many services.

Maintaining an organized file of medical and therapy reports, imaging studies, educational records, insurance information, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can simplify future medical and school appointments.

Families who suspect their child’s cerebral palsy may have resulted from preventable medical negligence should also preserve these records while seeking advice from an experienced birth injury attorney.

Lawsuits for cerebral palsy in Nevada

Families often begin asking difficult questions after a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy or brain injury. While many cases are unavoidable, others may result from preventable medical mistakes around the time of birth.

Nevada law allows families to pursue compensation when negligent medical care causes a birth injury. Because these cases involve complex medical evidence and evolving state laws, it’s important to reach out for legal guidance as early as possible.

How to file a Nevada birth injury lawsuit

What should families do to prepare?

• Consult a Nevada medical malpractice attorney who regularly handles birth injury and cerebral palsy cases.
• Prepare a detailed timeline beginning with prenatal care through labor, delivery, NICU treatment, and the child’s diagnosis.
• Gather medical records already in the family’s possession, discharge instructions, photographs, videos, insurance information, and therapy records.

What records will your attorney obtain?

• Certified prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum medical records.
• Electronic fetal monitoring strips.
• Nursing notes and physician documentation.
• Operative reports, anesthesia records, and cesarean section records.
• Placental pathology reports.
• Neonatal intensive care records.
• MRI, CT, ultrasound, EEG, laboratory studies, and other diagnostic testing.
• Pediatric neurology, rehabilitation, therapy, and developmental evaluations.

What do you have to prove for a birth injury lawsuit in Nevada?

• The healthcare provider owed a professional duty of care.
• The provider failed to meet Nevada’s accepted medical standard of care.
• The negligent care directly caused or substantially contributed to the child’s brain injury.
• The injury resulted in measurable damages, including future medical care and lifelong support.

Where are these lawsuits filed in Nevada?

Medical malpractice lawsuits are generally filed in the appropriate Nevada District Court serving the county where the negligence occurred or where the defendant resides.

How long do birth injury lawsuits take in Nevada?

Most Nevada birth injury lawsuits require approximately 2 to 5 years to resolve, depending on the number of defendants, complexity of expert testimony, and whether the case settles before trial.

How many birth injury lawsuits are filed in Nevada?

While Nevada doesn’t separately report birth injury lawsuits, an estimate can be made from publicly available court statistics, statewide population, and national medical malpractice filing rates:

• Estimated civil lawsuits filed annually in Nevada: between 30,000 and 40,000.
• Medical malpractice lawsuits generally comprise approximately 0.5% to 1% of civil filings.
• Estimated medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Nevada each year: approximately 150 to 400.
• Birth injury cases typically represent roughly 2% to 5% of medical malpractice filings.
• Estimated Nevada birth injury lawsuits filed annually: approximately 4 to 20.

How much are birth injury settlements in Nevada?

Although every birth injury case in Nevada is different, it can be helpful to look at recent verdicts and settlements that set a benchmark for possible value. Here are a few based on public records:

• $35 million verdict, Las Vegas, 2021: a jury found that delays in recognizing fetal distress and performing an emergency cesarean delivery resulted in hypoxic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and permanent neurological impairment.
• $14 million settlement, Reno, 2019: the lawsuit alleged negligent labor management and delayed intervention after signs of fetal oxygen deprivation contributed to CP and lifelong developmental disabilities.
• $8.8 million settlement, Las Vegas, 2017: the claim involved allegations that failures in obstetrical monitoring caused cerebral palsy and permanent neonatal brain injury requiring lifelong medical care.
• $5.5 million verdict, Clark County, 2014: the case alleged negligent neonatal treatment following delivery that resulted in cerebral palsy and permanent neurological injury.
• $3.2 million settlement, Washoe County, 2012: plaintiffs alleged failures to timely recognize fetal distress and intervene during labor, leading to significant cerebral palsy.

Birth injury trends in Nevada

Nevada averages approximately 34,000 births annually. Based on published national birth trauma rates, it’s estimated that between 70 and 180 birth trauma cases are reported each year in the state.

Overall, serious birth trauma has remained relatively stable or declined modestly in Nevada over the past decade due to improved obstetrical protocols, simulation training, and advances in neonatal intensive care. Nevertheless, preventable cases involving oxygen deprivation, delayed cesarean delivery, and failures to recognize fetal distress continue to occur.

Legal aid organizations in Nevada

While these organizations typically don’t assist in cerebral palsy lawsuits or litigation, they can be helpful in cases of disability rights, education, and housing disputes.

Nevada Legal Services
Address: 530 South Sixth Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 386-0404
Website: https://nlslaw.net

Provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low-income Nevada residents.

Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
Address: 725 East Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: (702) 386-1070
Website: https://www.lacsn.org

Offers free legal services, self-help resources, and community legal education.

Washoe Legal Services
Address: 299 South Arlington Avenue, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 329-2727
Website: https://washoelegalservices.org

Provides civil legal representation for eligible low-income residents throughout northern Nevada.

Cerebral palsy lawyers in Nevada

Nevada birth injury litigation requires attorneys to understand both sophisticated medicine and Nevada’s evolving medical malpractice statutes.

Successful Nevada birth injury attorneys typically have experience interpreting fetal heart monitoring strips, coordinating nationally recognized medical experts, calculating future life-care costs, and understanding Nevada’s Medical Malpractice Act. They also have a track record litigating cases with powerful hospitals, insurance companies, and governmental healthcare providers.

In Nevada, statistics suggest:

• Approximately 10,000 to 12,000 licensed attorneys.
• Between 2% to 3% of attorneys identify medical malpractice as a practice area.
• Estimated medical malpractice attorneys in Nevada: 200 to 360.
• Only 30 to 80 Nevada attorneys regularly handle birth injury litigation.

Cerebral Palsy Center works only with Nevada birth injury lawyers that specialize in these complex cases and have handled hundreds of cerebral palsy claims.

Cost of a birth injury lawsuit in Nevada

Birth injury lawsuits are among the most expensive medical malpractice cases in any jurisdiction. In Nevada, typical litigation expenses range from approximately $75,000 to more than $300,000. This may be slightly higher than the national average, due to increased travel needed to retain top medical expert testimony. Case costs frequently include:

• Certified medical record collection.
• Medical expert review fees.
• Depositions.
• Diagnostic imaging review.
• Demonstrative trial exhibits.
• Life-care planning reports.
• Economic loss analysis.
• Trial preparation expenses.

Cerebral Palsy Center works only with Nevada cerebral palsy lawyers that handle these cases under contingency fee agreements. This means they pay these litigation costs upfront for qualified clients, and recover expenses only if compensation is obtained.

Nevada hospitals named in birth injury lawsuits

While allegations alone don’t prove fault, it can be helpful to know the claim history of your child’s medical facility. Public court records show the following hospitals have been listed in malpractice litigation:

University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
Has been named in multiple malpractice lawsuits involving obstetrical care, neonatal treatment, and allegations of delayed diagnosis of fetal distress.

Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center
Has appeared in medical malpractice litigation involving labor management, emergency obstetrical care, and neonatal complications.

Renown Regional Medical Center
Has been named in claims involving labor and delivery management and alleged neonatal injuries.

MountainView Hospital
Has faced medical malpractice allegations involving obstetrical care and labor management.

St. Rose Dominican Hospitals
Has appeared in malpractice litigation involving pregnancy management, labor complications, and newborn care.

Laws affecting Nevada birth injury claims

Nevada significantly revised portions of its Medical Malpractice Act in 2023.

Damage limits

Noneconomic damage limits are no longer fixed. Beginning in 2024, the statutory cap increases by $80,000 each year until reaching $750,000 in 2028, with annual inflation adjustments thereafter. Economic damages remain uncapped.

Comparative negligence

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system. A plaintiff whose fault exceeds 50% is generally barred from recovering damages.

Expert testimony

Nevada law generally requires expert medical testimony to establish the applicable standard of care and causation in professional negligence cases, subject to limited statutory exceptions.

Nevada statute of limitations for birth injury lawsuits

• Most medical malpractice actions must be filed within two years after discovery of the injury or four years after the negligent act, whichever occurs first.
• For birth injury cases involving brain damage or birth defects like cerebral palsy, Nevada law extends the filing period until the child’s tenth birthday if a parent or guardian did not previously bring the claim.

Since each case is different, it’s important to speak with a qualified Nevada birth injury lawyer as soon as possible about your child’s case. Contact us to speak directly with a lawyer today about your case.