How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts throughout life and requires medical care. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's parts which regulate muscle movement. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin might also be requested.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the brain part that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is not reverseable and affects muscles and body movements.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit jerky, uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

Ataxic CP is the least common type, which results in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag-doll like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that may cause brain damage in a fetus, including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

monroe cerebral palsy attorney Palsy can be caused by any cause that affects brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher chance of developing poteau cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, Vimeo physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) might be used to improve the function and ease pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an unusually bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can aid children learn to communicate and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a big difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find a community of families who can share their experiences at a local gathering or online groups. Many groups also have fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in school. They can plan for students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's appointments or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking exams.

Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medications are effective, and if anything could be making their symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan and permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or as if they don't like their child for what they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can reach into the millions.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your claim, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you need to do following.