How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts for throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP usually visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today to arrange a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms along with medical history and 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, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is typically made around the age of 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services 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 affects muscle coordination and body movements.

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

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is not severe or in which case they could diagnose at the age of four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are at increased risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections may trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can aid children to develop communication skills and help parents improve their child's abilities to communicate. Recreational therapy involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy will find a community of families who can share their experiences by attending an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups host fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan for students who may miss classes because of doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.

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

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

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get a fair settlement from medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence that caused brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the losses your family has experienced and anticipated future expenses. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Parents are concerned that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can be in the millions.

It's important to consult an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The sooner you file your claim, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws applicable to your particular area, and tell you what you need to do following.