How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests are also possible to order.
Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child's condition is 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 in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble staying in balance.
The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic. It causes unorganized and awkward 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 CP within the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In this case, they might determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may 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 occurs more frequently for babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for each patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.
The use of medications to lessen muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve the function and ease discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can assist children to develop communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. cerebral palsy attorneys elgin for recreation helps children take part in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.
Support
Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children may find groups of people who share similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups host fundraisers to raise funds and awareness of the condition.
Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead of time when students will be absent because of doctor visits or to take medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time between classes or to take examinations.
Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if 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 has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to show that the medical providers and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a way to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family and future expenses that are expected. It's also about creating changes and other procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.
Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or make it appear that they don't respect their child for who they are. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person with CP could be in the thousands.
It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your area and what you should do next.