How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

steger cerebral palsy law firm palsy is a disorder that lasts for a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are often seen by a pediatrician, well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical exam, and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain which control muscle movement. It usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms, medical history and physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't typical of normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Bridgeton cerebral Palsy law firm paralysis manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. The damage is irreparable and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic okeechobee cerebral palsy lawsuit paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have difficulty holding their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is not severe, in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccinations prior to conception against illnesses that can cause fetal brain damage, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at increased chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

Each person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

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

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate or speak, and they can teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a significant difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy are able to find a family of people who can relate to their experiences at meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups organize fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss class due to doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out if their medications are working, and if anything could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts in this field. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence that shows that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim is a method to get financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look 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 crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your area and what you must do next.