How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, as also a physical therapy specialist. Their 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 attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and control. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts which control muscle movement. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and looking over the 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 could also be requested.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and cerebral palsy lawyer exaggerated reactions not typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy lawyer palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up 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 clumsy and disorganized movement. People with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their legs and arms move easily and resemble those of an toy doll.

Doctors typically detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In this situation, they could be able to diagnose it at four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that could cause brain damage in the fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently for babies born before 32 weeks or having the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Each person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

The use of medications to lessen muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve function and reduce pain or other symptoms. In extreme cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists can assist children to learn to communicate and also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy will find a family of people who can share their experiences at meetings in their local area or through an online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's appointments or taking medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for independence, including housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.

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

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek financial compensation for losses suffered by your family as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.

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

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and cerebral palsy lawyer the earlier you start your case, the better. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your particular area, and tell you what you need to do next.