How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination, 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. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. cerebral palsy attorneys fargo find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the beginning of childhood. They result from damage to the part of brain that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.
The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which causes slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic patients CP are prone to muscle weakness, and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of an rag doll.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they could diagnose by age four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can result by anything that hinders the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born before 32 weeks, or with low weight 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 every person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve functionality or alleviate discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can find an entire group of people with similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness about the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan for students who cannot attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking exams.
Adults suffering from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine whether their medication is working or if something else could be making their symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this field. The database is available to people in Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as anticipated future expenses. It's also about making changes and further procedures to stop such injuries from happening to other children in the future.
Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.
It's important to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case, the better. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your area, and what you should do following.