How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician, well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy law firm-palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.

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

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and other organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the part of brain that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have trouble staying in balance.

The most common type of CP is ataxic, which causes disorganized and clumsy movements. The people with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of a Rag doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild and in that case, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that can cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result by any cause that affects brain development, including pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can cause inflammation that affects the development of the 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 develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness may be used. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists can help children to learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's communication abilities. 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 big difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children may find a group of individuals with similar experiences at a local meet or via the internet. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also arrange for 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 out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing or finding work and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether their medications are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms 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 it allows users to search for their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent these types of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or appear to accept the child they have. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can run into the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do next.