How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that can last for throughout life and requires medical care. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take an medical history, conduct thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring milestones and growth, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and result from damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and cerebral palsy body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty maintaining their balance.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors usually detect CP within the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In that situation, they could be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result by anything that hinders brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.

Every person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical treatment and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) might be used to improve performance and ease discomfort or other symptoms. In extreme cases of CP, surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists are able to assist children learn to communicate and help parents enhance their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can share their experiences via a local gathering or online group. Many groups also hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy attorneys palsy in school. They can help students who cannot attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or to take exams.

Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine whether their medication is working or if something else could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining additional evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the losses your family has endured and the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about making changes and further procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to other children in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your region, and also what you need to do in the next step.