How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families to obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a free case evaluation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscles, and it typically occurs before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing the growth and milestones of the child, 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. Tests of urine, blood and skin might also be requested.
Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions not typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in early childhood and result from damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reverseable and affects muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands and arms. They might also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble keeping their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, which results in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic patients CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of an rug doll.
Doctors usually diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy. This can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born prior to 32 weeks or with babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and maternal fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for every individual with CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical treatment and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
The use of medications to lessen muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems such as an unnaturally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.
Support
Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy will find an entire community of families who can share their experiences through a local gathering or online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's appointments or medication. cerebral palsy law firm baytown can also provide accommodations in the classroom for things like providing extra time between classes or for taking exams.
Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for independence, including housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine whether their medications are working or if something else could be causing their symptoms to get worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and lets them search 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 procedure involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a method to get financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are expected. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to other children in the future.
Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit can 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 can. Every state has a statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer can help you understand the laws applicable to your region, and also what you should do in the next step.