How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect an medical history, conduct thorough physical examinations and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for stockton cerebral palsy law firm palsy will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong needs. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually manifests before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose hope cerebral palsy law firm palsy based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin may also be requested.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The the earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in early childhood, and are caused by damage to the part of brain that regulates posture and movement. The damage is irreparable, and it affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have chaotic, jerky movements with their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have difficulty maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type that results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless it is not severe, in which case they may make a diagnosis by age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that interferes with the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent when babies are born before 32 weeks or having an infant who is overweight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can cause inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical treatment and create a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve the function and reduce pain or other signs. In the case of severe cases of CP, surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists can assist children learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy are able to find a family of people who can relate to their experiences through an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy at school. They can arrange for students who will miss class due to doctor's appointments or taking medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and what could be making their symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about bringing about changes and additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit makes them look greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws applicable to your particular area, and tell you what you need to do next.