How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts throughout life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP usually visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take a medical history, do a thorough physical exam and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the beginning of childhood and result from damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. The damage is irreparable and can affect muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have trouble holding their balance.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic. It causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is not severe and in that case, they could diagnose by age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against illnesses that can cause fetal brain damage, like rubella and German measles. It is also essential that mothers receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy to help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that affects brain development, ranging from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born prior to 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can cause inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and coraopolis cerebral palsy Lawyer rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Medications to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve functionality and reduce pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems like an unusually bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

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

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Families affected by little ferry cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy and their children can find a group of individuals who have similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups also hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will miss classes due to doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like providing extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medications are working and what could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts with this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your Sheboygan cerebral palsy attorney palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the harms your family has endured and anticipated future expenses. It's also about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these injuries from happening to others children in the near future.

Parents are concerned that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or look like they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case the better. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you should do next.