How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts for a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect the medical history, take thorough physical examinations and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It is caused by damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose beardstown cerebral palsy lawyer paralysis based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups and other organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the brain area that regulates the movement and posture. This damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic Maywood Cerebral Palsy Lawyer palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least common type that results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic patients CP have a lower muscle tone and their legs and arms move easily and are similar to those of the toy doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of life, unless the condition is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

Each person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve functionality or alleviate pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness are available. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can aid children develop their communication skills and teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a big difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can find groups of people with similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. 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 ahead for times when students will miss classes due to doctor visits or to take medicine. They can also provide arrangements in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing as well as finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and what could be making their symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this field. It is available to residents in Michigan and permits users to search using their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has endured and expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.

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

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. Each state has a statute of limitations and the earlier you start your case the better. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your particular area and the steps you must do next.