How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Mathis cerebral palsy attorney (vimeo.com) Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, in addition to a physical specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas that control muscle movement. It usually manifests before or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.

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

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type, which results in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic patients CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of a toy doll.

Doctors typically detect CP in the beginning of the child's life, except for mild. In that case, they may determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

Every person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness can be prescribed. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.

Support

The right support can make significant difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can find a group of families who can relate to their experiences at an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups have events to raise funds and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead for times when students are unable to attend classes because of doctor visits or to take medicine. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out if their medications are effective and if there's something that could be making symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area in this field. It is available to people who live in Michigan and allows users to search using their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your vestavia hills cerebral palsy lawyer palsy attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement with 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, causing brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the losses your family has experienced and expected future expenses. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to others children in the near future.

Some parents worry that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can run into the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your state and tell you what you must do next.