How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts throughout life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's entire life requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that regulate muscle movement. It typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

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

Babies with CP may show 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 can suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups and other organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in early childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is not reversible and can affect muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands and arms. They might also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Those with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of an toy doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless the condition is not severe and in that case, they might make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that could cause brain damage to the fetus like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by any cause that hinders the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent when babies are born before 32 weeks, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can affect the nervous system of the baby.

Every 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 to lessen muscle tightness can be prescribed. In extreme cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can aid children to develop communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make significant difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can connect with an entire group of people who share similar experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups also hold events that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class because of medical appointments or to take medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time between classes or to take examinations.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding autonomy, such as housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out if their medications are working and if something could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan and permits people to search by their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get an equitable settlement from the 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 cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family as well as future expenses that are anticipated. It's about making changes and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.

Parents are concerned that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy, or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

It's important to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your area and what you must do next.