How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician as in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain which control muscles, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is typically made by age two. The the earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

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

Ataxic CP is the least common type that results in unorganized and awkward movement. People with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone and their arms and legs are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a rug doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe or in which case they might make a diagnosis by age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by anything that interferes with brain development, ranging from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. briarcliff manor cerebral palsy attorney Palsy is more frequent in babies born prior to 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and formulate the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and Vimeo needs.

To improve functionality or Vimeo alleviate pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children may find a group of people with similar experiences at a local meet or on the internet. Many groups host fundraising events to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan for students who may miss classes due to doctor's appointments or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist for independence, such as housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working or if something else could be making their symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members and for the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or like they don't accept their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your case, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws applicable to your specific area, as well as what you need to do in the next step.