How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair settlement for their child’s lifetime needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Psy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that control muscle movement, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child’s symptom and medical history, physical examination milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren’t present in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and affects muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble holding their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. People with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their arms and legs are able to move easily and mimic the movements of the rag doll.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, Cerebral palsy lawyer unless the condition is not severe or in which case they might make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that could cause fetal brain damage, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, ranging from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born before 32 weeks, or cerebral palsy lawyer with babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the mother’s fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
Every patient’s CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and develop a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.
Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other symptoms. In severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct a problem like an unnaturally curving spine.
Speech therapists are able to assist children to develop communication skills and teach parents how to enhance their child’s communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
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 relate to their experiences at an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups hold events to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy during school. They can make plans for students who may miss classes due to medical appointments or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.
Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine whether their medications are effective or if something else could be making their symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. The database is available to people in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child’s injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child’s birth injury committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the harms your family has experienced and expected future costs. It’s about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the near future.
Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them appear greedy, or look like they don’t accept the child they have. But the truth is that the cost of caring for someone with CP could be in the millions.
It is crucial to speak an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you should do next.