How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can help families seek fair compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition which affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It is caused by the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and 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 can also be requested.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made by the age of 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the part of brain that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.

The least common type of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of the rug doll.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP within the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe, in which case they could make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also crucial that mothers receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

boulder city cerebral palsy lawsuit Palsy can be caused from any issue that can hinder brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased chance of developing washougal cerebral palsy lawyer palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. 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 communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to enhance their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor Lawsuit skill development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can find a group of people who have similar experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups host fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead when students will be absent because of medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or to take examinations.

Adults suffering from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective or if something else could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this field. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows users to search using their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for losses suffered by your family members and for future expenses that are expected. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent such injuries from happening to other children in the future.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

It's important to consult an attorney for medical malpractice whenever you can. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case, the more effective. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your state and tell you what you must do next.