How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform an extensive physical examination and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today for a time to set up a a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication that affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's parts that control muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, as well as looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin can also be requested.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing and a final diagnosis is generally made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and result from damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may snore, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least common type, which results in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.

Doctors usually diagnose CP within the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. 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 from any issue that can hinder brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

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

To improve function or reduce pain, medications that reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In the case of severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an unnaturally curving spine.

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

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy law firm palsy will find a group of families who can share their experiences through a local meeting or online group. Many groups also have events that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss class because of doctor visits or to take medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, for example, allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether or not their medications are effective and if there's something that could be making 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 available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain a fair 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 your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek monetary compensation for the losses suffered by your family and future expenses that are anticipated. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent such injuries from happening to others children in the near future.

Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them appear greedy, or appear to accept the child they have. 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. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case the better. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you should do next.