How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP usually visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder which affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions which control muscle movement. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, observing the growth and milestones of the child, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin might also be requested.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at 2 years of age. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and other organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. The damage is irreparable and can affect body movements and muscle coordination.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit jerky, uncontrolled movements of 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 holding their balance.

The most common type of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis by age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused from anything that interferes in brain development, including pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can cause inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness can be prescribed. In severe cases of CP surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can assist children learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can share their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups also have events that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can arrange for students who may miss classes due to doctor's appointments or taking medicine. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.

Adults suffering from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and what could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists with this condition. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that proves that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed mistakes that resulted in cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim is a way to obtain financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members and for future expenses that are anticipated. It's about making changes and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or as if they don't like their child for who they are. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can run into the millions.

It's important to consult with a lawyer for medical malpractice immediately. Every state has a statute of limitations, and the sooner you begin your case, palsy the more favorable. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you should do in the next step.