How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that will last a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, as along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctor will take a medical history, do thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can help families pursue an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that regulate muscle movement. It usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by looking at the child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and observing the growth and milestones of the child, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often show delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The the earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the beginning of childhood. They result from damage to the brain region that controls the body's posture and movements. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands, and arms. They might also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool or have difficulty keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type, which results in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless mild. In this scenario, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that interferes with brain development, cerebral palsy from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at a higher chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical treatment and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve functionality or alleviate discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness may be used. In the most severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate or speak and teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in fun activities that promote 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 local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also hold events that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy lawyers palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will miss classes due to medical visits or medication. They can also make accommodations for students in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medications are effective and if something could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has experienced and anticipated future expenses. It's also about creating changes and other procedures to stop such injuries from happening to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or make it appear that they don't respect their child for cerebral palsy who they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for someone with 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 in your area, and what you need to do in the next step.