How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are often seen by a pediatrician, in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain which control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.
Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups as well as organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least frequent kind, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. The people with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a rug doll.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they might make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that affects brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent in babies born before 32 weeks or having babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could harm the nervous system in development.
Each individual's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. cerebral palsy law firm lewisville , physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements.
To improve function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness are available. In severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to speak or communicate and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make a enormous difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can connect with an entire group of people who share similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.
Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan ahead for times when students will be absent because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or to take exams.
Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, including housing as well as finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medications are working and what could be making their symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts in this condition. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain a fair settlement from medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed mistakes that resulted in brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a method to get financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family and the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent these kinds of injuries from happening in the near future.
Some parents fear that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can be in the thousands.
Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your particular area, and tell you what you need to do next.