How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take a medical history, do an extensive physical examination 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 free case evaluation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions that regulate muscle movement. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin could also be requested.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate 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 can be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable and can affect the body's movements and muscle coordination.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have chaotic, jerky movements with their hands, feet, and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble staying in balance.
The most common kind of CP is ataxic, which causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. Those with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their legs and arms move easily and are similar to those of a rug doll.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of their life, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage in a fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may result from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born before 32 weeks or having low weight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for
cerebral palsy every patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.
To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can assist children to develop communication skills and teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The appropriate support can make a huge difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can join an entire community of families who can share their experiences via meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups also hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will be absent because of medical appointments or to take medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on the issues of independence, like housing and finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts who specialize in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan, and it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your
cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered and expected future expenses. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent such injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.
Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
It is essential to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as possible. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you need to do following.