How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim

A diagnosis of cerebral palsy law firm paralysis can have a profound impact on the life of the child and the lives of their families. Compensation can help them live a full and fulfilling life, with access to equipment, care and assistance.

Medical negligence is often the cause of cerebral palsy. This could be due to a lack of care during pregnancy, problems during the birth process or other incidents.

Causes

Early diagnosis and treatment for CP can enhance a child's abilities. Doctors diagnose CP in relation to the child's movements, muscle tone and coordination. They may refer the child to specialists, like pediatric neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. These specialists can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Every person suffers from cerebral palsy differently. It can be moderate and have only a slight impact on a child's ability but it can also be severe and cause impairments in all body parts. Symptoms can include an oversized (floppy neck) head and muscles that are stiff or uncontrolled and walking difficulties, or having difficulty with speech and other functions. If cerebral palsy affects only the child's body, then it is known as hemiplegia. If it affects both sides of the body, Cerebral Palsy then it is called diplegia. Severe CP could result in a locked in (spastic) condition, which is characterized by muscle spasticity. This can limit the movement of a person and cause difficulty with speech and eating.

The occurrence of medical errors during childbirth is a frequent reason for CP. Doctors, midwives and nurses should be extra cautious when delivering a baby because damage to the brain can cause serious harm. If a medical mistake causes oxygen deprivation or other brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy, the physician may be held liable for negligence. This is the case when scheduling or performing a C-section in a hurry or failing to monitor and increase an arduous labor.

Symptoms

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, they'll most likely exhibit a variety of physical symptoms. The symptoms can include stiff or tight muscles as well as a limp, uncontrolled movement, and Cerebral Palsy issues with balance and posture. Other issues could include intellectual disability, speech delays and hearing and vision issues.

Cerebral palsy symptoms are caused due to damage to the young brain, usually during infancy or early childhood. The delay in milestones such as rolling over, sitting, walking, or crawling can be a sign of CP. Children with CP may also have trouble swallowing and may require a feeding device.

Many factors can contribute to the development of a brain injury that triggers CP that can be caused by infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus or toxoplasmosis in the womb and high blood pressure during pregnancy, and genetic predisposition. A serious lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during pregnancy or birth is a major reason for CP as is the occurrence of bleeding in the brain due to damaged or blocked blood vessels.

Based on the type of cerebral palsy, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Spastic cerebral palsy (characterized by stiff muscles) is the most frequent form. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also known as athetoid, choreoathetoid, or choreoathetoid), is known as a slow and uncontrolled writhing of the legs, arms and body. Other types of CP can include ataxic palsy that has shakey movements and paraplegic cerebral parsy that affects the legs and arms are affected.

Treatment

Although the symptoms of cerebral palsy may differ, the majority of sufferers of the condition experience stiffness and a loss in muscle control. They may also be struggling with balance and coordination. The type of movement issue that they have depends on which brain area was injured and the severity of the injury.

Many people with CP require specific physical therapy that assists them to improve their mobility and muscle tone and stretch and exercise their muscles and joints. It can also relieve pain and prevent contractures. It can include exercises, braces with special features, or other treatments.

CP is characterised by musculoskeletal conditions, such as hip dysplasia and patella alta. Scoliosis and cervical stenosis can also be seen. These conditions can cause major mobility problems and reduce life expectancy.

Speech and therapy for language are a way to help children who are unable to communicate effectively. This can help children discover new ways of communicating. These may include communication board or voice synthesizers.

These medicines are used to limit abnormal movements, reduce pain, and control seizures. These medications can be taken by mouth or directly into the affected muscles or into the surrounding fluid of your spinal cord.

Compensation

If your cerebral palsy case is successful, you can receive compensation to help you pay for medical attention, equipment and treatment. The compensation will be based on the mental and physical effects of your child's condition and any expenses or losses you may have incurred. This could be a loss of earnings due to having to take a break from work to take care of your children, house modifications and transportation costs.

Based on the severity of your child's injury, your lawyer may hire a specialist in disability care to develop a "lifecare plan' that carefully outlines all their needs from the time of their diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This will allow you to calculate an accurate amount of compensation. It is typically in the form of a lump-sum and regular annual payments, which can be index to keep pace with inflation.

You should be aware that a payout from a legal action isn't a gimmick. It is a recognition of unfairness that was caused by the medical professional failed to perform their duty of care during labour, pregnancy, and birth.