How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts for a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect an examination of their medical history, perform thorough physical examinations and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy law firm palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin could also be ordered.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups and other organizations 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 cannot be reversed and can affect the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may snore or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic, which causes slow and unorganized movements. The people with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of a toy doll.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild and in that case, they could diagnose at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also essential that mothers receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy to help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

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

The treatment plan for every patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other symptoms. In severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists are able to assist children to develop communication skills and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make big difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can find a community of families who can share their experiences through meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for students who may miss classes because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out if their medications are working and if something could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain an equitable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to prove the medical providers and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to obtain financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about making changes and further guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.

Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your state and tell you what you should do next.