How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children with CP usually visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin could also be requested.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made by the age of 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the part of brain that controls the movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. Those with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of an rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In this case, they might be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to lower the risk of developing CP. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness may be used. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate and also instruct parents how to facilitate their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a enormous difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can connect with a group of people who share similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in school. They can help students who cannot attend class due to doctor's appointments or taking medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.

Adults with CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether or not their medications are working and if there's anything which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists with this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy law firm palsy lawyer will help you obtain an equitable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that proves that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can be in the thousands.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case, the better. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your specific area, as well as what you need to do next.