How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform a thorough physical exam and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a free case evaluation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to, during, or shortly after birth.
Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.
Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as hyperactive reactions that aren't found in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage done to the part of brain that controls the movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
Ataxic CP is the least popular kind, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
Doctors usually diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this scenario, they may 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 in a fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to have 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 anything that interferes with brain development, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent in babies born before 32 weeks or with babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can harm the nervous system in development.
Each person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
To improve functionality or alleviate pain, medications that reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. cerebral palsy lawsuit garland can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.
Speech therapists are able to assist children learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's communication abilities. Recreational therapy involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.
Support
The right support can make a enormous difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can connect with an entire group of people who have similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will be absent because of medical appointments or to take medicine. They can also create arrangements in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding the issues of independence, like housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine whether their medication is working and if something could cause them to feel worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists who specialize in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows people to search by their insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy attorney can help you negotiate an appropriate settlement with medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a way to get financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents fear that suing 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 can be in the millions.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you should do next.