How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

mcgregor cerebral palsy attorney paralysis is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy by looking at the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic Kearney Cerebral Palsy Law Firm paralysis experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have trouble keeping their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular kind, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. The people with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of an Rag doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their life, unless it is not severe, in which case they might make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that can cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which could help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis 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 who have low birth weight are more at risk chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

The treatment plan for each person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness may be used. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a big difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can find an entire group of people who have similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and awareness for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class due to doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations for students in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether their medicines are working and if they have any other issues which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to people in Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an appropriate settlement with medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has endured and expected future costs. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to other children in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or like they don't accept their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

It is essential to speak an attorney for medical malpractice immediately. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your area and what you must do next.