How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts for all of life and requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical examination and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain that control muscle movement. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical exam, monitoring milestones and growth, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin could also be requested.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain part that regulates the body's posture and movements. The damage is irreparable and affects muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty holding their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least common kind, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
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 by age four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy to help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that affects the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. cerebral palsy attorneys fremont born prior to 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.
The treatment plan for every person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.
To improve function or reduce pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems like an unusually curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak and teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make a significant difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending an event in the local area or an online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss classes because of doctor visits or to take medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.
Adults suffering from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out whether their medications are working, and if anything could be making their symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you receive an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence that proves that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal claim is a method to obtain financial compensation for losses suffered by your family and the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent these kinds of injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
It's important to consult an attorney for medical malpractice immediately. The sooner you file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws in your region, and also what you should do in the next step.