How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are often seen by a pediatrician along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy law firms palsy is a chronic condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing and a final diagnosis is typically made around the age of 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can 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 the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble keeping their balance.

The least common type of CP is ataxic, which causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless it is not severe, in which case they might make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by anything that affects brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

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

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve function and reduce discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or Cerebral Palsy to correct spinal issues such as an unnaturally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

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

Support

The right support can make huge difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can find a community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending a local gathering or online group. Many groups hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodations for students in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether their medications are working and if they have any other issues which 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. It is available to residents in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you obtain an equitable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a way to get financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or as if they don't like their child for what they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP could be in the thousands.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case, the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws in your specific area, as well as what you should do in the next step.