How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of settlement for their child’s lifetime needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It is caused by the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child’s symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, cerebral Palsy lawyer and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as hyperactive reactions that aren’t seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It isn’t easy to recognize the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The sooner a child’s illness is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

The most common type of CP is ataxic, which results in slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic patients CP are prone to muscle weakness, and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a rug doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they could make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result by any cause that affects brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy law firm palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

Each individual’s CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve function and reduce pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to improve their child’s communication skills. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find a community of families who can share their experiences at a local gathering or online group. Many groups also hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can arrange for students who are unable to attend class because of doctor’s visits or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or for taking exams.

Adults suffering from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine if their medications are working, and if anything could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can 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 additional evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence that caused brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It’s also about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these injuries from happening to others children in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or that they don’t appreciate their child for who they are. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for someone with CP could be in the millions.

It’s important to consult with a lawyer for medical malpractice whenever you can. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you need to do next.