How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

cerebral palsy law firms Palsy is a condition that lasts for an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, as in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas that regulate the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to seek out support groups and other organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy lawyers paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular kind, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually detect CP within the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In that case, they may diagnose the condition at four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently in babies born prior to 32 weeks or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can cause inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve function and reduce pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can join an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences via a local gathering or online groups. Many groups organize fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.

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

Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and if something could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence that caused brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has suffered and expected future costs. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents are afraid that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you file your case, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your region, and also what you need to do next.