How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts for throughout life and requires medical care. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions that control the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by looking at the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring milestones and growth, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin can also be requested.
Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't found in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing and a final diagnosis is typically made around age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and organizations for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in early childhood, and result from damage to the brain region that regulates the movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty maintaining their balance.
The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which causes unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their life, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they could make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can harm the nervous system in development.
Each person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.
Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other symptoms. In the most severe cases of CP surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.
Speech therapists are able to assist children to develop communication skills and teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage 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 will find an entire community of families who can share their experiences at a local gathering or online groups. cerebral palsy lawyer lansing hold fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or taking medication. They can also provide accommodations for students in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether their medications are effective and if there's something which could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan, and it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.
Legal Questions
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 that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the damages your family has suffered and anticipated future expenses. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent such injuries from occurring in the future.
Some parents fear that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
It's important to consult with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your area and what you must do next.