How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will collect an medical history, conduct an extensive physical examination and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the ability to move, balance and control. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movement. It usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing the growth and milestones of the child, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, cerebral palsy lawyer or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The the earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They might also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty holding their balance.

The most common type of CP is ataxic, which results in slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually detect CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this scenario, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage to the fetus such as rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy. This can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent in babies born prior to 32 weeks or having babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can damage the developing nervous system.

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

To improve function or reduce pain, medications that reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In extreme cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists can aid children to develop communication skills and help parents improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.

Support

The right support can make a significant difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can join a group of families who can share their experiences via an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups have fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan for students who may miss classes due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking exams.

Adults who suffer from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether their medications are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. 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 get an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents occurring in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or as if they don't like their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your area, and what you need to do next.