How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate muscles, and it usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring milestones and growth, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin may also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic, which can cause slow and unorganized movements. The people with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of an Rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of their life, unless it is mild, in which case they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that interferes with brain development, from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can harm the nervous system in development.

Every patient's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that take care of specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) might be used to improve the function and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to speak or communicate and can also teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The right support can make big difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can join a group of families who can share their experiences through an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups organize fundraisers to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy law firm palsy in school. They can plan ahead when students will be absent due to doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking exams.

Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist regarding autonomy, such as housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medications are effective and if there's something that could be making symptoms worse.

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

Legal Issues

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

A legal claim is a method to seek financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members as well as the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Every state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case the better. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you should do following.