How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control muscles, and it usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing growth and milestones, as well as review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, cerebral palsy lawyer like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones as well as stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type, which results in unorganized and clumsy movements. The people with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness, and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of a toy doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of their life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy. This can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other symptoms. 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 help children learn to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to help their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make significant difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can join groups of people who have similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan for students who are unable to attend class because of doctor's visits or medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding their independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether or not their medicines are effective and if there's something that could be causing the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan and permits people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence that shows that the medical professionals and cerebral palsy lawyer facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed negligence, causing brain damage and daphne cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family and future expenses that are expected. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for someone with CP can reach into the thousands.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney immediately. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case the better. A lawyer can help you understand the laws applicable to your specific area, as well as what you need to do next.