How to File a Point Pleasant Beach Cerebral Palsy Law Firm Palsy Case

chowchilla cerebral palsy law firm Palsy is a condition that lasts for throughout life and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

tuckahoe cerebral palsy law firm Palsy is a condition that 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 prior to, during or shortly after birth.

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

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be. Many families are able to join support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in early childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls posture and movement. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least common type of CP is ataxic. It causes slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless the condition is mild and in that case, they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to have regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that interferes with brain development, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent when babies are born before 32 weeks or having babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Each individual's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and formulate an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve function and ease pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children to learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Recreational therapy helps children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy will find a group of families who can share their experiences through a local gathering or online group. Many groups also host fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.

Adults with CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine if their medications are working and what could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent these injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

It is important to talk with a lawyer for medical malpractice immediately. The sooner you file your case, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your particular area and the steps you should do next.