How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last a lifetime and requires medical care. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a free case evaluation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a complication that impairs the ability to move, balance and control. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually manifests before or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made by age 2. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in early childhood and result from damage to the part of the brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.
The most common kind of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically detect CP within the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In that situation, they could diagnose the condition at four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against illnesses that can cause brain damage in the fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born before 32 weeks or having the baby's weight being low at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections may trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.
Each individual's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and formulate treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.
The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve performance and ease pain or other signs. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.
Speech therapists are able to assist children to learn to communicate and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The appropriate support can make a significant difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find a community of families who can share their experiences at meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups organize fundraising events to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss classes due to doctor visits or to take medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for autonomy, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medications are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an equitable settlement with the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a way to get financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents are afraid that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can run into the thousands.
It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice attorney whenever you can. cerebral palsy lawyer irvine file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply in your region, and also what you need to do in the next step.