How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim

A diagnosis of cerebral paralysis has profound effects on the child and their family. Compensation can allow them to live a fuller life, with access to equipment, care and support.

Many cases of cerebral palsy are the result of medical negligence. This can be caused by the lack of prenatal care, problems during labour and delivery or other occurrences.

Causes

There is no cure for CP however, early diagnosis and treatment may improve the abilities of a child. Doctors diagnose CP by looking at a child's muscle tone and coordination, as well as movement. They might refer the child to specialists such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists who can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

cerebral palsy lawyer palsy affects all people differently. It can be mild, with a minimal effect on a child's perform, or it can be severe and cause physical impairments throughout the body. The symptoms could include a neck that is floppy (floppy neck) and a stiff or uncontrolled muscle that is difficult to walk or has difficulties with speech and other functions. If Cerebral Palsy Attorneys palsy is only affecting the child's body, then it is called hemiplegia. If it affects both sides, then it's called diplegia. In severe cases, CP could cause a locked-in (spastic) condition, which is characterized by muscle spasticity. This can limit the ability of a person to move and can result in difficulty speaking and eating.

Medical mistakes in childbirth are a frequent cause of CP. Midwives, doctors and nurses must be extra cautious when giving birth to babies because brain damage can cause serious harm. If a medical error results in oxygen deprivation, or other brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy, the doctor may be held liable for malpractice. This includes negligence when scheduling or performing a C section urgently or failing to supervise and escalate the intensity of labor.

Signs and symptoms

If your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, he / she will likely have a combination of physical symptoms. These could include stiff or tight joints or muscles, a limp, involuntary movement and problems with balance and posture. Other issues include speech delays, intellectual disability and hearing and vision problems.

Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by a degeneration of the brain, most often in early childhood or infants. A slowing down in reaching milestones such as sitting up, crawling, or walking is a common sign of CP. Children suffering from CP may also have trouble swallowing and may require a feeding device.

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to an injury to the brain that results in CP. These include infections like toxoplasmosis and rubella in the womb, high blood pressure during pregnancy and genetic predisposition. A massive lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during birth or labor is a major reason for CP, as is bleeding in the brain caused by blocked or broken blood vessels.

Depending on the type of cerebral palsy, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Spastic cerebral palsy (characterized by stiff muscles) is the most prevalent type. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also known as athetoid, choreoathetoid, or choreoathetoid), is characterised by a slow and uncontrolled writhing movements of the legs, arms and the body. Other forms of CP might include ataxic palsy, which is characterized by a shaky motion or paraplegic cerebral palsy, in which the legs and arms are affected.

Treatment

Though the symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary, the majority patients with the condition experience stiffness, as well as a decrease in muscle control. They may also be struggling with coordination and balance. The type of movement issue that they face is determined by the brain region that was injured and the extent of the injury.

Many people with CP require special physical therapy which helps them to improve their muscle tone and mobility and stretch and exercise their joints and muscles. It can also help relieve pain and prevent contractures. It may include exercises, special braces, or other treatments.

Musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia, patella alta, cervical stenosis, scoliosis are common in CP. These can cause major issues in mobility, which reduces life expectancy.

Other treatments can include speech and language therapies for children who are unable to communicate effectively. This may help children learn new ways to communicate and could include sign language, a communication board or voice synthesizers.

These medications are used to limit abnormal movements, ease pain, and prevent seizures. These medications can be taken orally or directly into the muscles affected, or into the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord.

Compensation

If your case of cerebral palsy is successful, you will be compensated to cover the cost of medical equipment, specialist care and treatment. This will be based on the psychological and physical impact that your child's condition has had on them, in addition to any expenses and losses you have incurred. This could include losing income due to having to take a break from work to care for your child, home modifications and transportation costs to transport your child to and from appointments.

The lawyer you hire may employ an expert in disability dependent on the severity of the injuries to your child. The specialist will create an "life care plan" that will outline their needs from the time of diagnosis until they are adults. This can help determine the most accurate compensation amount. It usually takes the form of a lump-sum as well as regular annual payments which may be indexed to keep up with the rate of inflation.

You must be aware that the compensation resulting from a successful legal action isn't a huge sum. It's a recognition that injustice has occurred due to medical professionals did not fulfill their duty of taking care during labour, pregnancy and the birth.