How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts for an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas which control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, observing growth and milestones, as well as reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin might also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent kind, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is mild or in which case they could diagnose at the age of four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles prior Vimeo to pregnancy to lower the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects the development of the brain, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher likelihood of developing ivins cerebral palsy lawyer palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

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

Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve function and ease discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an unusually curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists can aid children develop their communication skills and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can join a group of families who can share their experiences via a local gathering or online groups. Many groups also host fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy during school. They can plan for students who cannot attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time between classes or to take examinations.

Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for autonomy, such as housing, finding a job, and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan, and it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you get a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence that shows that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child's birth injury committed mistakes that resulted in cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim is a way to seek financial compensation for losses suffered by your family members as well as future expenses that are anticipated. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents occurring in the future.

Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or look like they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the sooner you start your case the more effective. A lawyer will explain the laws in your particular area and the steps you need to do next.