How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that can last for a lifetime and requires medical care. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician, along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's parts which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy law firm palsy after analyzing 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 may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The sooner a child's illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have difficulty keeping their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least common type, which results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In that scenario, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to have regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result from anything that interferes in brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness can be prescribed. In extreme cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to help their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a big difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy are able to find a community of families who can share their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan for students who will miss class due to medical appointments or taking medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or to take exams.

Adults suffering from CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for the issues of independence, like housing as well as finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective or if something else could cause them to feel 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 residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy lawyer can help you obtain a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the damages your family has experienced and expected future expenses. It's also about creating changes and other guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to other children in the future.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can run into the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Every state has its own statute of limitations and the sooner you begin your case, the more effective. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your area, and what you should do following.