How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP usually visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy by evaluating the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin could also be requested.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the brain part that controls posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty keeping their balance.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild and in that case, they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused from any issue that can hinder brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born prior to 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with Waverly cerebral palsy attorney palsy will find a community of families who can relate to their experiences at an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can support children who have atwater cerebral palsy lawyer palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time between classes or to take exams.

Adults suffering from CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist for the issues of independence, like housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medications are working and if they have any other issues that could be making symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan, and it allows users to search for their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents occurring in the future.

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

It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you should do next.