How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last an entire life time and requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a final diagnosis is typically made around the age of 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, cerebral palsy lawyer organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in the beginning of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may snore, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic. It causes poor coordination and clumsy 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 usually diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In that scenario, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against illnesses that can cause fetal brain damage, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

The treatment plan for every person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

To improve functionality or alleviate discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness are available. In the most severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct issues such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists are able to assist children learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can find a group of individuals who have similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy at school. They can arrange for students who cannot attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

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

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

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney can help you negotiate an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to prove the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a way to seek financial compensation for losses suffered by your family and the future costs that are anticipated. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent such injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents fear that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer whenever you can. The sooner you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws in your particular area, and tell you what you should do next.