How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts for an entire life time and requires medical care. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination 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 schedule an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions which regulate muscle movement. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on the child’s symptoms, medical history, physical exam and milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing and a diagnosis is typically made around the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and other organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of canton cerebral palsy lawyer palsy manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reversible, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which causes unorganized and awkward movements. Those with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of a toy doll.

Doctors typically detect CP in the beginning of the child’s life, unless it is mild. In this case, they might be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any cause that hinders brain development, from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weight are more at risk chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections may trigger inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

Each person’s CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or ease discomfort, medications to ease the tightness of muscles 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 curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak, and they can teach parents how to facilitate their child’s communication skills. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a enormous difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children may find a group of individuals with similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. Many groups also have fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can arrange for students who will miss class due to doctor’s visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and if something could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your Newport beach cerebral palsy law firm palsy lawyer will assist you get a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child’s injuries. The legal process requires additional evidence that shows that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child’s birth injury committed negligence, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to obtain financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It’s about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or as if they don’t like their child for what they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can run into the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do in the next step.