How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts for throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that control muscle movement, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical examination and milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin can also be ordered.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around age two. The sooner a child's illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the part of brain that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is irreparable and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have difficulty staying in balance.

The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause poor coordination and clumsy movement. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their legs and arms move easily and resemble those of the rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose CP within the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In that case, they might determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects brain development, from infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Every person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve the function and reduce discomfort or other signs. In severe cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate and also instruct parents how to help their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The right support can make significant difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can connect with an entire group of people with similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. Many groups organize events to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for cerebral palsy lawyer things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist about independence, including housing or finding work and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be causing the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to obtain financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop the possibility of such accidents happening in the near future.

Some parents worry that suing for medical malpractice could make them appear 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 with CP can reach into the thousands.

It's important to consult with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can. Each state has a statute of limitations, and the sooner you start your case, the more effective. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you should do next.