How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim

A diagnosis of cerebral palsy can have an impact on the child and their family. Compensation can help them live a full and active life by providing access to care, equipment and support.

Medical negligence is often the cause of cerebral palsy. This can be due to the lack of care during pregnancy, or problems during birth, or other occurrences.

Causes

There is no cure for CP but early detection and treatment can enhance the child's capabilities. Doctors determine CP by observing a child's movement, muscle coordination and tone. They may refer the child to specialists, Cerebral Palsy Attorney such as pediatric neurologists, pediatric orthopedists, and physiatrists. These specialists can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Everyone suffers from cerebral palsy in different ways. It can be moderate and have only a slight impact on a child's ability, or it can be severe and cause impairments to all body parts. The signs include a floppy (floppy neck) head as well as stiff or uncontrolled muscles and walking difficulties, or having difficulty speaking and other functions. If cerebral palsy only affects one side of the child's body, then it is called hemiplegia. If it affects both sides, then it's called diplegia. Severe CP can cause a locked-in (spastic) condition that is characterized by spasticity in muscles that restricts the movement of a person and can lead to problems with speech and eating.

Medical mistakes in childbirth are an often-repeated cause of CP. Midwives, doctors, and nurses should be cautious when delivering babies because brain damage may result in serious consequences. A doctor may be held liable for negligence if a medical error results in cerebral palsy, or brain damage due to oxygen deficiency. This includes negligence when scheduling or performing a C section urgently or failing to supervise and escalate the intensity of labor.

Signs and symptoms

If your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, they will most likely show a variety of physical symptoms. These may include tight or stiff joints as well as a limp, uncontrolled movement, and Cerebral Palsy attorney issues with balance and posture. Other problems include intellectual disabilities, speech delays and hearing and vision problems.

The symptoms of Cerebral palsy attorney palsy result from damage to the brain's immature state. This is usually the case in the early years of childhood. A delay in milestones, such as sitting, rolling over, walking, or crawling can be an indication of CP. Children suffering from CP may also have difficulties swallowing, and may need a feeding device.

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a brain injury causing CP. These include infections such as toxoplasmosis or rubella during pregnancy; high blood pressure during pregnancy; and genetic predisposition. Asphyxia (a serious lack of oxygen) during delivery or labor is the leading cause of CP.

Based on the type of cerebral palsy lawyer palsy, the symptoms may range from mild to severe. Spastic cerebral palsy (characterized by stiff muscles) is the most common form. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also called athetoid, choreoathetoid or choreoathetoid) is characterised by a uncontrolled and slow writhing of the legs, arms and body. Other types of CP can include ataxic palsy, which has an unstable motion or paraplegic cerebral palsy, in which legs and arms are affected.

Treatment

Though the symptoms of cerebral palsy can differ, the majority of sufferers of the condition experience stiffness and loss in muscle control. They may also be struggling with coordination and balance. The type of movement issue that they face is determined by what area of the brain was injured and the severity of the injury.

Many people suffering from CP require special physical therapy which helps them improve their muscle tone and mobility and stretch and work their muscles and joints. It can also ease the pain and prevent contractures. Braces, exercises, or other treatments may be considered.

CP is characterized by musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia and patella alta. Scoliosis and cervical stenosis are also common. These conditions can cause significant mobility issues, which reduces life expectancy.

Speech and therapy for language can be used to assist children who are not able to communicate effectively. This can assist them to learn new ways of communicating and may include sign language, communication boards or voice synthesizers.

The use of medications can relax overactive or stiff muscles or muscles, limit abnormal movement, reduce pain, and manage seizures. These medications can be administered by mouth or directly into the affected muscles or into the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord.

Compensation

If your case of cerebral palsy is successful, you will be compensated to cover the cost of special care, equipment, and treatment. This will be based on the psychological and physical impacts that your child's condition has caused on them, in addition to the costs and losses you've had to pay. This could include lost earnings due to having to work less to take care of your children, home adaptations and transport expenses.

Your lawyer could hire an expert in disability care dependent on the severity of the injuries to your child. This specialist will draft a "life care plan" that outlines their needs from the time of diagnosis until they are adults. This will allow you to calculate an accurate amount of compensation. This is usually in the form of a lump sum and annual installments, which can be index to keep up with the rate of inflation.

It is important to understand that the compensation for a successful legal matter is not a windfall. It's an acknowledgement of injustice that occurred because medical professionals did not meet their duty of care in pregnancy, labour, and delivery.