How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

cerebral palsy lawyer Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy law firms palsy lawyer can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. 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 results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movement, and it usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin may also be requested.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions not seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is generally made by age 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls the movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and can affect the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. People with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone, and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of an Rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose CP within the first two years of a child's life, unless mild. In that case, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against illnesses that can cause brain damage to the fetus such as rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy. This can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

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

The treatment plan for each person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve function and ease pain or other symptoms. In extreme cases of CP surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak, and they can teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make enormous difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy will find a family of people who can relate to their experiences by attending an event in the local area or an online group. There are many groups that hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can arrange for students who cannot attend class due to doctor's appointments or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or to take tests.

Adults with CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medications are working, and if anything could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan, and it allows users to search for their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family and future expenses that are anticipated. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to others children in the near future.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can be in the thousands.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your region, and also what you should do following.