How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

cerebral palsy lawyers Palsy is an illness that lasts for all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take an examination of their medical history, perform an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, and observing the growth and milestones of the child, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and cerebral palsy overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at 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, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in early childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring and have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. People with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of a toy doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of their life, unless it is not severe, in which case they could diagnose at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result by any cause that affects brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born before 32 weeks, or with an infant who is overweight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can cause inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

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

Speech therapists can aid children to learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can find groups of people who have the same experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups also hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss class because of medical appointments or to take medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or for taking exams.

Adults who suffer from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether or not their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be causing the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyers palsy lawyer can help you receive an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about bringing about changes and additional policies to prevent these injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case, the better. Each 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.