How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that can last for an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and highland cerebral palsy Law firm medicine specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate muscle movement, and it typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical exam, monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and looking over 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 developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made by age 2. The the earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families are able to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reversible and can affect body movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble keeping their balance.

The most common kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In that situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, such as rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result from anything that interferes in brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

The treatment plan for each patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) might be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other symptoms. In extreme cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists are able to assist children develop their communication skills and help parents enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with south gate cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy can join a community of families who can relate to their experiences through meetings in their local area or through an online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss class because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.

The escanaba Cerebral palsy lawyer Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows users to search using their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you get a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed errors that caused cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the losses your family has suffered and expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop these kinds of injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit can 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 a person with CP can be in the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your particular area and the steps you should do next.