How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral psy is a condition that can last for a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children with CP usually visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take an examination of their medical history, perform an extensive physical examination and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin might also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present 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 final diagnosis is usually made at the age of 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. Many families are able to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble keeping their balance.

The most common kind of CP is ataxic, which results in poor coordination and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is not severe and in that case, they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinations prior to conception against illnesses that can cause fetal brain damage, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

cerebral palsy law firms palsy may result by anything that hinders brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve functionality and reduce discomfort 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 also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Recreational therapy helps children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can connect with a group of individuals who have the same experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups have events to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for times when students will be absent because of doctor visits or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing additional time between classes or for taking exams.

Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist about autonomy, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and if something could be making their symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered and anticipated future expenses. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or look like they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the thousands.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your particular area and the steps you must do next.