How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last throughout life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take an examination of their medical history, perform an extensive physical examination and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas which regulate muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests may also be ordered.
Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not found in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing and a final diagnosis is typically made around the age of 2. The the earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They might also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have difficulty staying in balance.
The least common type of CP is ataxic. It causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically detect CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In this case, they might determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that may cause fetal brain damage, such as rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy. This can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and maternal fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.
Each person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
To improve function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness 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 bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can aid children learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can find groups of people with similar experiences at a local meet or on the internet. Many groups also host events that raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan for students who will miss class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also create arrangements in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether 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 maintains a database of local specialists in this field. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence that proves that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal claim is a method to obtain financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for future expenses that are expected. It's also about making changes and implementing additional procedures to stop such injuries from happening to others children in the near future.
cerebral palsy lawsuit kenosha are concerned that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you start your case the more effective. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your state and tell you what you must do next.