How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral psy is a condition that can last for all of life and requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take an medical history, conduct a thorough physical exam and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Psy is a condition that affects the ability to move, balance, and control. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that regulate muscles, and it typically occurs before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.
cerebral palsy attorney broken arrow born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made at 2 years of age. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and result from damage to the part of the brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reverseable and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have difficulty holding their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least popular type that results in disorganized and clumsy movement. The people with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of a Rag doll.
Doctors typically detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In that case, they may determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal care during the pregnancy to aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can result from anything that interferes in brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently for babies born before 32 weeks or having low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for each individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must 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) may be used to improve the function and ease pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.
Support
Finding the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy will find a group of families who can relate to their experiences via a local meeting or online group. Many groups have events to raise funds and raise awareness about the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can arrange for students who may miss classes due to medical appointments or medication. They can also create accommodations for students in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether or not their medications are effective and if there's something that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. It is available to residents in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence that proves that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family and future expenses that are expected. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or like they don't accept their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.
It's important to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your area, and what you need to do following.