How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that will last an entire life time and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain which control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and Vimeo physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin could also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the part of brain that regulates the body's posture and movements. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic. It causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and vimeo their arms and legs are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a rug doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe, in which case they could make a diagnosis by age 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 crucial that mothers receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy to help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. lees summit cerebral palsy law firm palsy occurs more frequently in babies born prior to 32 weeks of age, or with an infant who is overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can harm the nervous system in development.

The treatment plan for each patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist must oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or reduce discomfort, medications to ease the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to speak or communicate and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can join an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups also have fundraisers to raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss classes due to medical visits or to take medicine. They can also arrange for arrangements in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, finding work and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and what could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an appropriate settlement with medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed mistakes that resulted in brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the losses your family has endured and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has a statute of limitations and the sooner you start your case, the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you need to do following.