How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim

A diagnosis of cerebral paralysis has an enormous impact on the life of the child and the lives of their family. Compensation can help them live an active and full life by providing access to treatment, equipment and assistance.

Many cases of cerebral palsy law firm palsy result from medical negligence. This could be caused by an absence of medical attention during pregnancy, difficulties during the birth process or other incidents.

Causes

Early diagnosis and treatment of CP can enhance a child's abilities. Doctors diagnose CP based on the child's muscle coordination and tone. They may refer a child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists, who can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for children.

Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild with a minimal effect on a child's ability to perform, or it can be severe and cause physical impairments throughout the body. It can be characterized by an oversized (floppy neck) head and muscles that are stiff or uncontrolled as well as difficulty walking or having difficulty speaking and other functions. If cerebral palsy only affects the child's body, it is called hemiplegia. If it affects both sides of the body, it is referred to as diplegia. In severe cases, CP could result in a locked in (spastic) condition, which is characterized by muscle spasticity. This may limit the ability of a person to move and can result in difficulty speaking and eating.

Childbirth-related mistakes made by doctors are the most common cause of CP. Midwives, doctors and nurses must be cautious when giving birth to the baby as damage to the brain can have serious consequences. A doctor could be held accountable for mistakes made in the medical field if an error results in cerebral palsy, or brain damage due to oxygen deficiency. This includes negligence when scheduling or performing a C-section in a hurry or not being able to monitor and escalate an intense labor.

Symptoms

If your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, they'll most likely exhibit a variety of physical signs. These symptoms could include stiff or tight muscles and a limp, involuntary movement, and issues with balance and posture. Other problems include speech delays, intellectual disabilities as well as hearing and vision problems.

mount vernon cerebral palsy attorney Palsy symptoms are caused due to damage to the young brain, which is usually seen in infancy or early childhood. A delay in milestones such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking can be a sign of CP. Children with CP may also have trouble swallowing, and may need a feeding device.

Numerous factors can contribute to the development of a brain injury that causes CP and other conditions, such as toxoplasmosis, rubella or cytomegalovirus in the womb as well as high blood pressure during pregnancy and genetic predisposition. A serious lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during pregnancy or birth is the main cause of CP, as is bleeding in the brain from blocked or broken blood vessels.

Depending on the type of cerebral palsy, the symptoms may range from mild to severe. Spastic cerebral palsy (characterized by stiff muscles) is the most frequent form. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also called athetoid, choreoathetoid and choreoathetoid) is characterised by a uncontrolled and slow writhing of the legs, arms and body. Other forms of CP include ataxic cerebral palsy (which is characterized by a shaky motion) or paraplegic CP in which the legs and arms are affected.

Treatment

The specific symptoms of cerebral palsy vary, most sufferers of the condition have to cope with stiffness and loss of muscle control. They might also have problems with coordination and balance. The type of issues they have depend on the part of the brain which was injured and the severity.

Many people suffering from CP require special physical therapy which helps them to improve their mobility and muscle tone and stretch and work their muscles and joints. It can also relieve the discomfort and prevent contractures. It can include exercises, special braces, or other treatments.

Musculoskeletal disorders like patella alta, hip dysplasia, cervical stenosis, and scoliosis are common in CP. These can cause significant issues in mobility, which reduces life expectancy.

Speech and language therapy can be used to assist children who are unable to communicate effectively. This may help them discover new ways of communicating and may involve sign language, communication boards, or voice synthesizers.

These medications are used to limit abnormal movements, ease the pain, and manage seizures. The medication is taken by mouth or injected into affected muscles or into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.

Compensation

If your case of cerebral palsy is successful, you could be awarded compensation to pay for Cerebral Palsy your child's medical equipment, specialist care and treatment. The amount of compensation will depend upon the physical and mental consequences of your child's condition and any losses or expenses that you might have incurred. This could be a loss of earnings due to having to stop working to care for your children, home modifications and transport expenses.

Based on the severity of your child's injuries the lawyer may recommend a specialist in disability care to create a "life care plan' that clearly details their needs from the date of their diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This will help you calculate a more accurate compensation sum. This typically will be a lump sum and regular annual payments that can be adjusted to keep pace with the rate of inflation.

You must be aware that the compensation resulting from a successful legal case isn't a quick buck. It's an acknowledgement that injustice has occurred, all because a medical professional failed in their duty of providing care during labor, pregnancy and the birth.