How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect an medical history, conduct 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 lifelong needs. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance and control. It is caused by the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain which control muscle movement, and it usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by evaluating the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin could also be ordered.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at the age of 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and other organizations for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

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

The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic. It causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. Those with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone and their arms and legs are able to move easily and mimic the movements of the rag doll.

Doctors usually detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In this situation, they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases 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 care throughout the pregnancy, which could help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

cerebral palsy lawsuits palsy may result by anything that hinders brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can cause inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

The treatment plan for each individual with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve performance and ease pain or other symptoms. In extreme cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a significant difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can join a family of people who can share their experiences through a local meeting or online groups. Many groups have fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss classes because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether their medications are working and if they have any other issues that could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. 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 get a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the losses your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent these injuries from happening to other children in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or like they don't accept their child for what they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can reach into the thousands.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice 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 will provide you with the laws of your particular area and the steps you need to do next.