How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are often examined by a pediatrician, also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair settlement for their child’s lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the ability to move, balance, and cerebral palsy lawyer coordinate. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain which control muscle movement, and it usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child’s symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests may also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions not found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing and a diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The sooner a child’s illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that controls posture and movement. This damage is not reverseable and can affect body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically detect CP within the beginning of the child’s life, unless mild. In this situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result by anything that hinders brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Every person’s CP treatment plan is unique to each. 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 the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) might be used to improve the function and reduce pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems such as an unnaturally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and cerebral palsy lawyer teach parents how to help their child’s communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make a significant difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children may find a group of people who share similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also hold events that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can help students who will miss class due to doctor’s appointments or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations for students in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out if their medications are working and if something could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It’s available for people living in Michigan and permits users to search for their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your providence cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are accountable for your child’s injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to prove the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It’s also about creating changes and other procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to others children in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or as if they don’t like their child for what they are. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person with CP can run into the thousands.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your region, and also what you should do in the next step.