How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can last for throughout life and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, as also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for their child's entire life requirements. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a complication that affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that control muscle movement, and it typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical exam as well as milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin may also be requested.
Babies born with CP often show delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it helpful to join support groups and other organizations for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect body movements and muscle coordination.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. cerebral palsy law firm layton may also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on tiptoe.
Ataxic CP is the least frequent kind, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.
Doctors typically diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In that situation, they could diagnose the condition at four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can result by anything that hinders the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born prior to 32 weeks or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve performance and ease pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy will find a community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups organize fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy at school. They can arrange for students who will miss class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and what could cause them to feel worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to show that the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a way to get financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family and the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these kinds of injuries from happening in the near future.
Parents are concerned that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.
It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney immediately. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case, the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws in your specific area, as well as what you should do in the next step.