How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician and View Details a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually manifests before or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin may also be ordered.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it helpful to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the beginning of childhood. They result from damage to the brain part that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least common kind, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. The people with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of the toy doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless the condition is not severe, in which case they could make a diagnosis by age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that could cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

tremonton cerebral palsy law firm Palsy can result by any cause that affects brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and create a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or ease discomfort, medications to ease the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can assist children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find a group of families who can share their experiences by attending a local meeting or online group. Many groups hold events to raise funds and awareness for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with homestead cerebral palsy attorney palsy in school. They can arrange for students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom, for example, 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 on independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medications are working or if something else could be making their symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan and permits people to search by their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating an appropriate settlement with medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in Lawrenceville cerebral palsy lawyer palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the harms your family has suffered and expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

It is crucial to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as possible. The earlier you file your case, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your area and what you should do next.