How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last throughout life and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts which control muscle movement. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical examination and milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that are not seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

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

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic patients CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their arms and legs are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a Rag doll.

Doctors typically detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless mild. In this case, they might diagnose the condition at four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy, which can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

atchison cerebral palsy lawyer palsy can result by anything that hinders the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born before 32 weeks, or with babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.

Each person's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and formulate treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve performance and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. In extreme cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak and teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, Vimeo and motor development.

Support

The proper support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can join a community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending a local meeting or online groups. Many groups organize fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can arrange for students who may miss classes due to medical appointments or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist about the issues of independence, like housing, finding a job, and Vimeo receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether or not their medications are effective and if there's something that could be making symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area in this field. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members as well as the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice will make them look 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 millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case, the better. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your region and explain what you must do next.