How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take an examination of their medical history, perform a thorough physical exam and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical exam, monitoring milestones and growth, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin could also be requested.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are evident during early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type that results in unorganized and awkward movement. People with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of the Rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their life, unless it is not severe or in which case they could diagnose at the age of four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage in the fetus, including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at a higher chances of developing rock springs cerebral palsy lawsuit paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and pregnant fever can harm the nervous system in development.

The treatment plan for every patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist must oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness may be used. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can help children to learn to communicate and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can find a group of individuals who have similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups also host fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can assist children with nashville cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy in school. They can plan ahead for times when students are unable to attend classes due to medical visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine whether their medications are working and if something could be making their symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan and permits people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you obtain a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to prove the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the losses your family has endured and the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about making changes and implementing additional procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.

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. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can run into the thousands.

It is essential to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice whenever you can. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your state and tell you what you must do next.