How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect the medical history, take a thorough physical exam and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today to arrange a free case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a complication that impairs the ability to move, balance, and control. cerebral palsy attorney compton results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain which control muscles, and it typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin might also be ordered.
Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that are not typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage cannot be reversed and affects body movements and muscle coordination.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.
The least common kind of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy 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 diagnose children with CP during the first two years of their life, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis by age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage in the fetus, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.
Treatment
Cerebral paralysis can be caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can cause inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve the function and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues such as an unnaturally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists are able to assist children to develop communication skills and help parents improve their child's communication abilities. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make a significant difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy will find a group of families who can relate to their experiences through a local gathering or online groups. Many groups also have fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy at school. They can plan ahead for when students will be absent due to doctor visits or to take medication. They can also provide arrangements in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take tests or doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medicines are effective and if there's something that could be causing the 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 company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you obtain a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to show that the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the losses your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the near future.
Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your region and explain what you must do next.