How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last an entire life time and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will take an medical history, conduct thorough physical examinations and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin can also be requested.
cerebral palsy attorneys kentucky with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions not typical of normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is typically made around the age of 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in the beginning of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.
Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.
The most common type of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
Doctors typically diagnose children with CP in the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe or in which case they could diagnose by age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage in a fetus, such as rubella and German measles. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can cause inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.
Each individual's CP treatment plan will differ for each. 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.
The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (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 abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can aid children learn to communicate and also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children may find an entire group of people who have the same experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups have fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss classes due to doctor visits or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether or not their medications are effective and if there's something that could be causing the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan and allows people to search by their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed negligence, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a way to get financial compensation for losses suffered by your family and future expenses that are anticipated. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the near future.
Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or look like they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the millions.
Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your area and what you should do next.