How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts an entire life time and requires medical care. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, as along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that regulate muscles, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination and milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can 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 babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and other organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Pikeville cerebral palsy law firm palsy are usually noticed in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic new castle cerebral palsy law firm paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands, and arms. They might also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have difficulty staying in balance.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in unorganized and awkward movement. The people with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their legs and arms move easily and are similar to those of a rag doll.

Doctors typically detect CP within the first two years of a child's life, except for mild. In that case, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that may cause brain damage to the fetus like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result by anything that hinders the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections may trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

Each person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.

Medications to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve function and ease pain or other symptoms. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak, Pikeville Cerebral Palsy Law Firm and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The right support can make a big difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can connect with an entire group of people with similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. Many groups host fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like providing extra time to travel between classes or to take tests.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether or not their medications are effective and if there's something which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering additional evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members as well as future expenses that are expected. It's also about bringing about changes and additional policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to others children in the near future.

Parents are concerned that suing for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy, or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can be in the thousands.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney whenever you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case the more favorable. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your state and tell you what you should do next.