How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts for a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the ability to move, balance and coordinate. It results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that regulate muscle movement, and it usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy attorneys palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and review 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 could also be ordered.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions not observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

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

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP within the first two years of their life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they could diagnose by age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any cause that hinders brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or vn.easypanme.com who have low birth weights are at greater likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can affect the nervous system of the baby.

The treatment plan for every person suffering from CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee medical care and create treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.

To improve functionality or alleviate discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness can be prescribed. In extreme cases of CP, surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate and can also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can find groups of people who have similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or to take exams.

Adults with CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether or not 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 with this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an appropriate settlement with medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence that proves that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or look like they don't accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the thousands.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your particular area, and tell you what you need to do next.