How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can last for all of life and requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical exam, and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain 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 long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts that regulate muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. cerebral palsy attorneys charlotte , urine and blood tests may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around age two. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services 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 brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
Ataxic CP is the least common type that results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.
Doctors typically diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this case, they might diagnose the condition at four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can result by anything that hinders the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent for babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can cause inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.
Every person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.
To improve function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness can be prescribed. In severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and teach parents how to help their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.
Support
The appropriate support can make a enormous difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can find groups of people who share similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups also hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss class due to medical visits or medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like providing extra time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.
Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether or not their medications are working and if they have any other issues that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area in this field. The database is accessible to people in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy attorney will 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 the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury of your child committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It's also about making changes and implementing additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.
Some parents are afraid that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP could be in the thousands.
It's important to consult with a lawyer for medical malpractice immediately. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer can help you understand the laws in your region, and also what you should do in the next step.