How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last throughout life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician as also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam and milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin may also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and affects muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy attorneys palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, which results in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag-doll like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically detect CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In this situation, they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that could cause fetal brain damage, including rubella and German measles. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born before 32 weeks or having babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal issues like an unusually bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can aid children to learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's communication abilities. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The proper support can make a significant difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy attorney palsy as well as their children may find a group of individuals with similar experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups also hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who cannot attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing and finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan, and it allows users to search using their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has suffered and expected future costs. It's also about creating changes and other guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for who they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for someone with CP can reach into the millions.

It is crucial to speak an attorney for medical malpractice whenever you can. The sooner you file your claim, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you must do next.