How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

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

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

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at age two. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families are able to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable, and it affects muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and cerebral palsy arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, which results 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 usually detect CP within the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In that situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person with CP differs. 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 reduce muscle tightness may be used. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can join groups of people who have the same experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups have fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy at school. They can plan for students who will miss class because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking tests.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as housing and finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medications are working and if they have any other issues which could be making the symptoms worse.

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

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek monetary compensation for the losses suffered by your family and the future costs that are anticipated. It's also about making changes and further procedures to stop such injuries from happening to other children in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or like they don't accept their child for who they are. But the reality is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the millions.

It is essential to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your area and what you should do next.