How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often show delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the part of brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage cannot be reversed and affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type that results in clumsy and disorganized movement. The people with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of the toy doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild or in which case they could diagnose when the child is four or five years old. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy. This can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.

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

To improve functionality or alleviate pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness are available. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct a problem such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can aid children develop their communication skills and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families affected by north bend cerebral palsy Law firm palsy and their children can find groups of people who share similar experiences at a local gathering or on the internet. Many groups have events to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can help students who may miss classes because of doctor's visits or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out if their medications are working, and if anything could be making their 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 permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you get a fair settlement from medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining additional evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence that caused brain injuries and resulting in midvale cerebral palsy attorney palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek monetary compensation for the losses suffered by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop these kinds of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP could be in the thousands.

It is crucial to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice immediately. Each state has its own statute of limitations, and the sooner you start your case the more favorable. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you need to do following.