How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts for a lifetime and requires medical care. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician, also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can diagnose hendersonville cerebral palsy attorney palsy on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often show delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and other organizations for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of clawson cerebral palsy lawyer palsy appear in early childhood and result from damage to the part of the brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least popular kind, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors typically detect CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In that case, they may determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also essential that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy to help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that hinders brain development, ranging from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at increased chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical treatment and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems such as an unnaturally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak, and they can teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and Oviedo Cerebral Palsy Lawyer motor skills development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can connect with a group of individuals who share similar experiences at a local meeting or on the internet. Many groups also have events that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan for students who may miss classes due to doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for autonomy, such as housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether their medicines are effective and if there's something that could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering additional evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the harms your family has experienced and expected future expenses. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent such injuries from happening to any other children in the coming years.

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

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your area and what you should do next.