How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to arrange a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It typically manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin may also be requested.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that are not found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or struggle to keep their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least common type, which results in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP within the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild, in which case they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that can cause brain damage to the fetus like rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which could aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent for babies born before 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Every person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with carson cerebral palsy attorney palsy are able to find a family of people who can share their experiences at an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups also have fundraisers to raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from treasure island Cerebral palsy law firm palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will be absent because of medical appointments or medication. They can also provide accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking tests.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, which includes housing, finding work and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and what could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The hillsborough cerebral palsy law firm Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you in negotiating an appropriate settlement with medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed negligence, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the harms your family has experienced and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent such injuries from occurring in the future.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit makes them look greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you start your case the better. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you need to do in the next step.