How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take a medical history, do an extensive physical exam, and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring milestones and growth, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin could also be requested.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is generally made by age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage done to the part of brain that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag-doll like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP in the first two years of their life, unless it is not severe and in that case, they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects brain development, from infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve performance and ease discomfort or other symptoms. In severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can aid children to develop communication skills and teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a significant difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy law firms palsy will find a community of families who can share their experiences via meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness about the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can help students who cannot attend class due to doctor's appointments or taking medication. They can also arrange for arrangements in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes, take tests or doctor visits.

Adults with CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing, getting jobs 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 has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan and allows users to search using their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek monetary compensation for the losses suffered by your family members and for future expenses that are expected. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents are afraid that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your area and what you need to do next.