How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication that impairs the ability to move, balance and control. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain which control the movement of muscles. It typically manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy by evaluating the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring milestones and growth, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests may also be ordered.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the brain area that controls the movement and posture. The damage is irreparable and affects the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Those with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of the Rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of their life, unless it is mild and in that case, they could diagnose when the child is four or five years old. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that may cause brain damage in a fetus, such as rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused from any issue that can hinder brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve the function and reduce discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an unusually bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to improve 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

A good support system can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can join a group of people who have the same experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy lawyers palsy at school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class because of doctor visits or lawsuit taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist on autonomy, such as housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether their medicines 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 specialists who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows users to search for their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injury and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the harms your family has endured and expected future costs. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent these injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or like they don't accept their child for who they are. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP can reach into the thousands.

It's important to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you need to do next.