How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can last for all of life and requires medical care. Children with CP usually visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will take the medical history, take thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder which affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas that regulate muscle movement. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a final diagnosis is typically made around the age of 2. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls the movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore or have difficulty keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent kind, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of an rug doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is essential for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weights are at greater chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for Vimeo each individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or ease pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children to develop communication skills and also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can join a group of people who have the same experiences at a local meet or on the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise money and awareness for the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also create accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing or finding work and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if they have any other issues which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts in this field. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by 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 process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the medical facilities and vimeo doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has endured and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or like they don't accept their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP could be in the thousands.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Each state has a statute of limitations, and the sooner you start your case, the more effective. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you should do next.