How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical exam, and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families to 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 lawsuit Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families are able to find support groups, lawsuit associations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage done to the brain region that regulates the movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and can affect muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool or have difficulty keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in disorganized 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 detect CP within the first two years of a child's life, except for mild. In this case, they may determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage to the fetus such as rubella and German measles. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can cause inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

Every person's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and develop a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve the function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness may be used. In extreme cases of CP surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate and teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a huge difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find a family of people who can relate to their experiences through an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead when students will be absent due to doctor visits or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist about autonomy, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether or not their medicines are working and if they have any other issues 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. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to prove the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek monetary compensation for losses suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are expected. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the near future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or like they don't accept their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you start your case, the more favorable. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you should do next.