How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical examination and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A orem Cerebral palsy attorney palsy lawyer can help families obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually manifests before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy 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, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin can also be requested.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by the age of 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage done to the brain area that regulates the movement and posture. The damage is irreparable and can affect body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic patients CP have low muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of the rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild or in which case they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that interferes with brain development, from infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are more at risk likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), orem cerebral Palsy attorney cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

Each person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or ease pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness can be prescribed. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists can aid children to learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's communication abilities. Recreational therapy helps children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a big difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can join a group of individuals who have similar experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups also have fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for orem cerebral palsy attorney students who will miss class because of doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also create accommodations for students in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, which includes housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and what could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area 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 lawyer can help you receive a fair settlement from medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that proves that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed errors that caused cerebral palsy and brain damage.

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

Some parents fear that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your state and tell you what you need to do next.