How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

petaluma cerebral palsy lawyer dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to parts of the brain that control muscle movement. It usually develops prior to or during or shortly after birth.

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

Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors usually diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In this case, they may diagnose the condition at four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common for babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with an infant who is overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could harm the nervous system in development.

Each individual's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems like an unusually bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The proper support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find a community of families who can relate to their experiences through meetings in their local area or Vimeo through an online groups. Many groups hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy at school. They can help students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medication is working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you receive an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has endured and expected future costs. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the near future.

Parents are concerned that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

It is crucial to speak an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply to your area, and what you should do next.