How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts for all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, as well as reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin could also be ordered.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, cerebral palsy lawyer associations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. The damage is irreparable, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have trouble maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, which results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic patients CP have low muscle tone and their legs and arms move easily and are similar to those of a rag doll.

Doctors usually detect CP within the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that scenario, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy. This can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. cerebral palsy attorneys palsy is more prevalent in babies born before 32 weeks, or with babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can harm the nervous system in development.

Each individual's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and develop treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems such as an unnaturally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists are able to assist children develop their communication skills and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The right support can make a enormous difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can find a group of individuals who have similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. There are many groups that hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class due to medical visits or to take medication. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for the issues of independence, like housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medications are effective and if there's something that could be making the symptoms worse.

The cerebral palsy law firms Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this field. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows users to search using their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has suffered and the anticipated costs for cerebral palsy lawyer the future. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP can be in the thousands.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do in the next step.