How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform a thorough physical exam and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's entire life requirements. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate muscle movement, and it typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP often show delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by the age of 2. The sooner a child's illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in early childhood, and result from damage to the brain region that controls the movement and posture. This damage is not reversible, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty holding their balance.
The most common kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic patients CP have a lower muscle tone, and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of a rag doll.
Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first two years of life, unless it is mild, in which case they could make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can result by any cause that affects 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. Infants born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are at increased chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can cause inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.
Each person's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that take care of specific symptoms and needs.
To improve the function or ease pain, medications to reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In extreme cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.
Speech therapists can aid children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy will find a group of families who can relate to their experiences through meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups have fundraisers to raise funds and awareness of the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in school. cerebral palsy lawsuit lawrence can help students who may miss classes due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes, take tests or doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing, finding work and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if 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 maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy attorney can help you negotiate an appropriate settlement with medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires additional evidence that shows that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed mistakes that resulted in brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a way to seek financial compensation for losses suffered by your family members as well as future expenses that are expected. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from occurring in the future.
Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your area, and what you need to do next.