How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can last for throughout life and requires medical care. Children with CP are often examined by a pediatrician as in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will take an medical history, conduct thorough physical examinations and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy will assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions which regulate the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors are able to 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 an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin may also be requested.
Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made by the age of 2. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and can affect muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least popular type, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe and in that case, they could make a diagnosis by age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy to help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
cerebral palsy lawyer california may result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common when babies are born before 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can cause inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for each person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that take care of specific symptoms and needs.
To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness can be prescribed. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to speak or communicate and also instruct parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The proper support can make a huge difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can share their experiences through meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups also hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, including housing and finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also talk 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 maintains a database of specialists in the local area in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to obtain financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the millions.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case the more effective. A lawyer will explain the laws in your state and tell you what you should do next.