How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician as in addition to a physical specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.
A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to parts of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin could also be ordered.
Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The sooner a child's illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty keeping their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least common type, which results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Those with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a rug doll.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild or in which case they could diagnose by age four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to reduce the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
The treatment plan for each person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.
Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve the function and reduce discomfort or other signs. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.
Speech therapists help children learn to speak or communicate and teach parents how to help their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can join a group of individuals with similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups organize fundraisers to raise funds and awareness for the condition.
Educators can help kids with
willmar cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for when students will be absent because of medical appointments or to take medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing additional time between classes or for taking exams.
Adults suffering from CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for independence, including housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medications are working and if they have any other issues that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain a fair settlement with the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Each state has a statute of limitations and the sooner you start your case the better. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you should do next.
