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A Prestigious California Law Firm

California Birth Injury Attorney

Causes of Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is thought of as a disorder, as compared with a mental illness such as schizophrenia or others. It is both a legal and medical term and is commonly used to define a person who scores well below the norm on intelligence and mental ability tests. The definition also includes an individual whose ability to function in normal life is limited. A mentally handicapped child can learn and gain new skills, but the rate at which this is done is significantly below that of an average child.

The causes of mental retardation can be genetic but there are many instances where this condition is brought about my medical negligence or malpractice. Improper observation and response to warning signs in labor or delivery can bring about conditions which lead to mental retardation. Failures to closely and accurately observe the condition of a newborn can end in birth injuries which cause this disorder as well.

If you feel your child's mental retardation may have been caused by negligence, A California birth injury lawyer from our firm would like to hear from you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "the average lifetime cost for one person with intellectual disabilities is estimated to be $1,014,000." You have rights to financial compensation if your child's disorder is attributable to medical malpractice and at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP we know what those rights are and fight hard to see they are protected and upheld.

Caring for Your Child

A child who is mentally retarded can necessitate doctor visits, prescription medication and, at times, inpatient hospital stays. Special education and home modifications may be needed to help take care of your child, as well as residential care. In addition to covering medical costs, compensation may be sought for lost wages if your son or daughter is not able to make a living once they are grown and for the emotional trauma caused by the disorder.

As members of The American Trial Lawyers Association - Top 100 Trial Lawyers, over $750 million has been collected for our clients who have suffered through the negligence of another. Equitable compensation can help to lift your financial burden both now and in the future and hopefully help improve the quality of life for you and your child.

Contact a California medical malpractice attorney to learn what can be done if you child's mental retardation was caused by a birth injury.

  • Best Law Firms 2018
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Inner Circle of Advocates
  • AV Preeminent

Testimonials From Our Clients

  • “I'm glad they were there for me every step of the way.”

    Avvo Reviewer

  • “Mr. Peterson and his team worked tirelessly with dedication. ”

    D.M.L.

  • “You simply can't go wrong trusting your case to this man.”

    Avvo Reviewer

What Sets Bostwick & Peterson, LLP Apart?

  • Over $750 Million Recovered for Our Clients
  • Record-Setting Birth Injury Verdicts & Settlements in Four States
  • We Have Received the Trial Lawyers "Presidential Award of Merit"
  • We Have Been Included in the List of "Best Lawyers in America" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers®
  • Attorney James Bostwick Is a Certified Specialist by the American Board of Professional Liability
  • We Are Members of the Inner Circle of Advocates, Which Is the Nation’s Top 100 Plaintiff Lawyers