How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts for a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A tempe cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

South bend cerebral Palsy law firm Palsy is a complication that affects the ability to move, balance and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's parts which control the movement of muscles. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam as well as milestones, South Bend Cerebral Palsy Law Firm growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin may also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have chaotic, jerky movements with their hands, feet and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble maintaining their balance.

The most common type of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized and clumsy movements. The people with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of the Rag doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless it is mild or in which case they could diagnose at age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against illnesses that can cause brain damage in the fetus, such as rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to have regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Each person's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve function and reduce pain or other symptoms. In the most severe cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate and teach parents how to help their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children suffering from jacksonville cerebral palsy lawyer palsy will find an entire community of families who can share their experiences by attending a local gathering or online groups. Many groups organize fundraising events to raise money and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.

Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding autonomy, such as housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out if their medications are effective and if there's something 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. It is available to people who live in Michigan and permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has endured and expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop the possibility of such accidents occurring in the future.

Parents are concerned that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them look greedy, or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can run into the millions.

It is important to talk with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your claim, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws in your area, and what you need to do following.