How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that will last throughout life and requires medical care. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician as along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy law firm palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts that control the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often show delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage done to the part of brain that controls posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may snore and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause unorganized and awkward movements. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of an rug doll.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first two years of life, unless the condition is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that can cause fetal brain damage, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

cerebral palsy law firms Palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are more at risk chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.

The treatment plan for every individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve the function and reduce pain or other signs. In severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a big difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can share their experiences through meetings in their local area or through an online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will be absent because of doctor visits or to take medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, which includes housing, finding work and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine whether their medications are working or if something else could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows users to search for their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to prove the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a way to get financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent such injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your area and what you should do next.