All-Inclusive Guide To Cerebral Palsy Case

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician as also a physical therapy 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 assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifelong needs. Contact us today to arrange a free case review.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy attorneys Palsy is a complication that affects the ability to move, balance, and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing and a diagnosis is typically made around the age of 2. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the part of brain that regulates the body's posture and movements. The damage is irreparable and affects muscles and Cerebral Palsy Lawyer body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may snore or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in disorganized and clumsy movement. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their legs and arms move easily and resemble those of a Rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP in the first two years of life, unless the condition is mild or in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently in babies born before 32 weeks or having an infant who is overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.

Every person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and formulate the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and cerebral palsy lawyer requirements.

To improve function or reduce discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness are available. In extreme cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can join a group of families who can relate to their experiences by attending a local meeting or online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for times when students are unable to attend classes because of doctor visits or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or to take examinations.

Adults who suffer from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and if something could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts in this field. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you obtain an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as anticipated future expenses. It's also about making changes and further procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or like they don't accept their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the sooner you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your specific area, as well as what you need to do next.