Bulbar Palsy

Bulbar Palsy Malpractice Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Learning that your healthcare provider’s mistake or medical error led to a life-altering medical condition such as bulbar palsy can be devastating.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our compassionate bulbar palsy lawyers understand the emotional and financial tragedy families face after discovering medical malpractice may be the cause of their injuries. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and discuss your situation with a skilled attorney.

What Is Bulbar Palsy?

Palsy is a medical term that describes conditions that affect muscles, often causing weakness or paralysis. Bulbar palsy is a neurological condition that causes weakness or paralysis in the muscles that control speech, chewing, swallowing, and other facial movements. It is caused by damage to cranial nerves in the bulbar region of the brainstem.

There are two types of bulbar palsy: progressive and non-progressive. In non-progressive patients, the condition remains stable. Those with progressive bulbar palsy experience worsening or escalating symptoms and a reduced life expectancy. As there is no cure, most people with progressive bulbar palsy live no more than a few years after diagnosis.

Bulbar Palsy vs. Pseudobulbar Palsy

It is critical to distinguish bulbar palsy from a similar condition known as pseudobulbar palsy. While both conditions affect the ability to speak and swallow, they stem from damage in different areas of the nervous system.

  • Bulbar Palsy is caused by damage to the lower motor neurons in the brainstem.
  • Pseudobulbar Palsy is caused by damage to the upper motor neurons in the cortex. Because the symptoms often overlap, misdiagnosis is a risk. An experienced attorney can help determine if a failure to distinguish between these two conditions delayed your treatment.

What Causes Bulbar Palsy in Patients?

Bulbar palsy results from damage to the bulbar region of the brainstem, which is located at the base of the brain and connects the brain to the spinal cord. The brainstem controls significant bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate and contains nerves essential for vision, hearing, facial movements, and swallowing.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is the most common cause of progressive bulbar palsy. This neurological disease can lead to the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, and bulbar palsy can result when damage occurs to specific neurons in the brainstem. Individuals with ALS will eventually experience bulbar palsy. Multiple sclerosis and Kennedy’s disease are other neurodegenerative conditions that can trigger bulbar palsy.

Other causes of bulbar palsy include strokes and brain tumors. The condition can also result from undiagnosed or untreated viral infections, such as polio, and bacterial infections, including botulism. Metabolic disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome can also cause bulbar palsy when the immune system attacks the nerves in the brainstem responsible for facial muscle movements.

Some of the early signs of bulbar palsy include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Facial weakness or drooping
  • Difficulty making facial expressions
  • Weak or absent gag reflex
  • Respiratory issues
  • Weak or hoarse voice

Adults who are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed can experience a progressive set of symptoms that deteriorate muscle function and mobility.

Why You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

Bulbar palsy is a significant neurological condition that can change a person’s life and cause physical disability. When the condition goes untreated due to a healthcare provider error, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can advocate for you.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have a proven track record of securing justice for victims of neurological and birth injuries. Our notable results include:

  • $50.3 Million Verdict: Secured on behalf of a child who developed cerebral palsy after suffering a severe brain injury (HIE) at birth due to delayed C-section and improper medication monitoring.

  • $29.1 Million Verdict: Obtained for a child who suffered profound brain damage due to government-employed doctors missing signs of infection.

  • $11 Million Verdict: Awarded to a four-year-old boy who suffered permanent brain damage due to delivery errors at an Illinois hospital.

Insurance companies often undervalue these profound injuries to protect their profits. We level the playing field by investigating your situation, preserving evidence, and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Can Bulbar Palsy Be Caused by Medical Negligence?

Yes. In adults, bulbar palsy can be caused by misdiagnosis, clinical errors, improper management of symptoms, and failure to treat underlying health conditions. While treatment options for non-progressive bulbar palsy cannot reverse existing nerve damage, prompt diagnosis is vital to managing symptoms.

In rare cases, substandard maternal care and birth injuries can lead to a bulbar palsy diagnosis. Typically, this occurs due to head trauma during or after birth or oxygen deprivation.

Examples of Medical Errors

While some cases stem from the natural progression of disease, others are linked to preventable errors, including:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of neurological diseases.
  • Failure to recognize signs of brain injury or stroke.
  • Surgical or anesthesia errors.
  • Delayed C-section or emergency medical intervention.
  • Improper use of medical devices during birth.
  • How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Illinois

How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Illinois

Medical malpractice hinges on proving that a medical professional provided a substandard level of care that a similarly trained professional would not have provided.

To succeed in a claim, potentially filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County or other relevant jurisdictions, we must establish:

  • Duty of Care: A doctor-patient relationship existed.
  • Breach of Duty: The provider violated the standard of care.
  • Causation: The breach directly caused the bulbar palsy or worsened the prognosis.
  • Damages: The patient suffered specific harm (physical, emotional, financial).

How Long Does the Legal Process Take?

Understanding the timeline of a malpractice lawsuit can help reduce anxiety during this difficult time. While every case is unique, the general process includes:

  • Initial Investigation (1-3 Months): We review medical records and consult with neurological experts to determine if malpractice occurred.
  • Filing the Complaint: If merit is found, we file a lawsuit against the negligent parties.
  • Discovery Phase (6-18 Months): Both sides exchange information, take depositions of witnesses, and gather evidence.
  • Mediation/Settlement: Many cases are resolved here without going to trial.
  • Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we present your case to a jury.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice

It is crucial to act quickly. In Illinois, the Statute of Limitations generally requires that a medical malpractice lawsuit be filed within two years of the date the patient knew, or reasonably should have known, of the injury.

Statute of Repose: regardless of when the injury is discovered, a claim generally cannot be filed more than four years after the act of negligence occurred.

Minors: For children under 18, the filing period is extended to eight years from the date of the act, but no claim may be filed after the person turns 22.

Note: These laws are complex and subject to exceptions. You must consult an attorney immediately to protect your right to file.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available for Bulbar Palsy Malpractice?

Don’t accept an insurer’s or other party’s offer without reviewing your legal options for pursuing compensation. Many insurers offer lowball settlements to avoid lengthy and expensive bulbar palsy misdiagnosis lawsuits. Seldom do these entities have your best interests at heart.

Although the value of a bulbar palsy malpractice claim varies based on the facts of the situation, you may seek compensation for the following:

An experienced medical malpractice attorney will calculate the fair value of your claim to pursue the full amount you deserve.

Contact Our Chicago Bulbar Palsy Malpractice Lawyers Today

A medical error that leads to bulbar palsy can drastically change the course of your life and the lives of your loved ones. The legal team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. wants to help fight to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve to address your unique medical needs.

Contact our Chicago office today and request a free consultation to discuss your situation with a bulbar palsy lawyer.

 

Bulbar Palsy Lawsuit FAQs – Answered by Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.

What is the difference between bulbar palsy and pseudobulbar palsy?

Bulbar palsy is caused by damage to the lower motor neurons in the brainstem, while pseudobulbar palsy is caused by damage to the upper motor neurons in the cortex. Although symptoms like difficulty swallowing and speaking overlap, the underlying neurological causes differ, making accurate diagnosis critical for proper treatment.

Can medical negligence cause bulbar palsy?

Yes, in some cases. While often caused by diseases like ALS, bulbar palsy can result from medical errors such as undiagnosed infections, surgical errors, or birth injuries involving head trauma or oxygen deprivation. Misdiagnosis can also lead to worsening conditions that might have been managed with proper care.

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Illinois?

In Illinois, a medical malpractice claim must generally be filed within two years of the date the patient knew or should have known of the injury. There is also a “statute of repose” preventing claims filed more than four years after the negligence occurred, with specific exceptions for minors.

What compensation is available for bulbar palsy malpractice cases?

Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, caretaking costs, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can help calculate the full value of these damages.

What are the early signs of bulbar palsy?

Early symptoms often include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), excessive drooling, facial weakness or drooping, a weak or hoarse voice, and difficulty making facial expressions.