How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that can last for an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will take an medical history, conduct a thorough physical exam and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the ability to move, balance, and control. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movement, and it typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy law firm paralysis based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical examination milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that are not seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families are able to join support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may snore or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least common type of CP is ataxic. It causes slow and unorganized 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 usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is not severe, in which case they might make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that affects the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. cerebral palsy lawyers palsy is more common in babies born prior to 32 weeks or with babies who are overweight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness are available. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem such as an unusually curved spine.

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

Support

The appropriate support can make a big difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can share their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups have fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can arrange for students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or medication. 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 may seek help from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine if their medications are working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan and allows users to search using their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for losses suffered by your family as well as the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about bringing about changes and additional policies to prevent such injuries from occurring to others children in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or as if they don't like their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

It's important to consult with a lawyer for medical malpractice immediately. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you should do next.