How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician as also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical examination and milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.
Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions not observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the brain region that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is not reverseable and can affect muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty holding their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least well-known kind, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.
Doctors usually detect CP within the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In this case, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects brain development, from infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can damage the developing nervous system.
Every person's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and formulate treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve functionality or alleviate 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 problems, such as an abnormally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can aid children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The proper support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy will find an entire community of families who can share their experiences through a local gathering or online groups. Many groups also have fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy at school. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss class due to medical visits or to take medication. They can also arrange for arrangements in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether their medications are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and permits users to search using their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining additional evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to obtain financial compensation for losses suffered by your family and future expenses that are expected. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.
Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person with CP can be in the millions.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. cerebral palsy lawsuit escondido has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws applicable to your area, and what you need to do following.