How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take the medical history, take an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's entire life requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

agawam cerebral palsy attorney Palsy is a complication that affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions which control the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, as well as monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the part of the brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reverseable and can affect the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen and have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they could diagnose at the age of four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are more at risk chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.

Each individual's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve functionality and reduce discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an unusually curved back, in severe cases of CP.

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

Support

The right support can make big difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can connect with groups of people who have similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. Many groups have fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss class because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for independence, such as housing, finding a job, and claiming benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medication is working and what could cause them to feel worse.

The fond du lac cerebral palsy lawyer Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this field. It is available to people who live in Michigan and permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your la palma cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy lawyer can assist you obtain a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires additional evidence that shows that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed errors that caused cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim is a method to obtain financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for future expenses that are expected. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or like they don't accept their child for what they are. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can reach into the thousands.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your region and explain what you should do next.