How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that can last for an entire life time and requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the capacity to move, balance and cerebral palsy coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to parts of the brain that control muscle movement. It usually develops prior to, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing milestones and growth, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in babies that are still developing. The final 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 helpful to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable and can affect muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might drool or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic. It causes unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe, in which case they may make a diagnosis at the age of 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 crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result by anything that hinders brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased risk of cerebral palsy - vimeo.com -. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and pregnant fever can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or ease pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children to learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's abilities to communicate. 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 huge difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy will find a group of families who can share their experiences by attending an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups organize fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.

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

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor Cerebral palsy to find out if their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members as well as future expenses that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy, or look like they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice attorney immediately. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case the better. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do following.