How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain 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 chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions that regulate muscle movement. cerebral palsy law firm hollywood 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 can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin could also be ordered.
Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as hyperactive reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing and a final diagnosis is usually made by 2 years of age. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective 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 result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.
The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their life, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral paralysis can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and pregnant fever can affect the nervous system of the baby.
Every patient's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness are available. In the most severe cases of CP surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct a problem like an atypically curving spine.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.
Support
The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy will find an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending a local meeting or online group. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and awareness for the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who cannot attend class due to doctor's appointments or taking medicine. They can also create arrangements in the classroom, for example, allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.
Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing and finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medications are working or if something else 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 those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that proves that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are expected. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent such injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.
Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or make it appear that they don't respect their child for who they are. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can be in the thousands.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you begin your case, the better. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your particular area and the steps you need to do next.