How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

league city cerebral palsy lawsuit Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are often examined by a pediatrician along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctor will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movement. It typically occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, as well as looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or Vimeo.com child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin may also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing and a final diagnosis is generally made by the age of 2. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit jerky, uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool or struggle to keep their balance and walk on tiptoe.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a rag-doll like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that scenario, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that could cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result from anything that interferes in brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or who have low birth weights are at greater likelihood of developing league city cerebral palsy law firm palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan is different. 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 or Botox) could be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to speak or communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a significant difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can share their experiences by attending a local meeting or online group. Many groups have fundraising events to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead when students will miss class due to doctor visits or to take medication. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or for taking tests.

Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for independence, including housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether or not their medications are working and if there's anything which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the damages your family has endured and the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to any other children in the coming years.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or as if they don't like their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

It's important to consult with a medical malpractice attorney whenever you can. Every state has a statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case, the more favorable. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you should do next.