Glossary of Cerebral Palsy Law Terms

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RH Incompatibility: Results when the blood type of the fetus is different from the blood type of the mother.

Rhizotomy: A surgical procedure to decrease spasticity.

Rebuttal: Evidence that attempts to explain, counteract or disprove facts given in evidence by the other party.

Re-direct Examination: Opportunity to present rebuttal evidence after one's evidence has been subject to cross-examination.

Retainer: Advance payment of fees, or fees and costs, made by a client to an attorney when the client retains the attorney to act for him or her.

Risk Factors For Cerebral Palsy: A risk factor is not a cause, it is a variable which, when present, increases the chance of something occurring. In other words, a risk factor for cerebral palsy is not a cause of cerebral palsy, it is a variable that could increase your child's chances of developing cerebral palsy. The presence of a risk factor does not mean cerebral palsy will occur, nor does the absence of a risk factor mean that cerebral palsy will not occur. If a risk factor is present, it should alert parents and health care professionals to be even more observant of the infant's development. Risk factors can be associated with the parents, as well as the child.