How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take a medical history, do thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain which control the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests may also be ordered.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy attorney palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have difficulty maintaining their balance.

The least common type of CP is ataxic, which causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is mild and in that case, they could diagnose at the age of four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy, which could help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that affects the development of the brain, from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and pregnant fever can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Every patient's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee medical care and create treatment plans that take care of specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can help children to learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a significant difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can join a group of families who can share their experiences at meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups have fundraisers to raise money and awareness for the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss classes due to doctor visits or to take medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom, for example, allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether their medications are working and if there's anything which could be making the symptoms worse.

The cerebral palsy attorney Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you get a fair settlement from medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to obtain financial compensation for losses suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are expected. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or like they don't accept their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your region and explain what you must do next.