How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can last for an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP usually visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's entire life requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms along with medical history and physical exam, monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin might also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, hyperactive reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty keeping their balance.

The least common type of CP is ataxic, which can cause poor coordination and clumsy 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 children with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is not severe 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 before pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also crucial that mothers receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy. This can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by anything that affects the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater chance of developing winston cerebral palsy attorney palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or Vimeo herpes infections can cause inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and develop treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.

To improve functionality or alleviate pain, medications to lessen the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to speak or communicate, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor Vimeo skill development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can join a family of people who can relate to their experiences through a local gathering or online groups. Many groups also hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class because of medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also create accommodations for students in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine if their medications are working or if something else could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to obtain financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members and for future expenses that are expected. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop these types of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP could be in the thousands.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your claim, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your particular area and the steps you must do next.