How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts all of life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician as in addition to a physical specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a complication that affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam and milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.
Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions not typical of normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made at age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the part of the brain that regulates posture and movement. 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 might also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.
Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors usually diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that scenario, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that could cause brain damage in a fetus, such as rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy to aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy is caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, ranging from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently when babies are born before 32 weeks or with an infant who is overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for every person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee 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. In the most severe cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem like an atypically curving spine.
Speech therapists can help children learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's communication abilities. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make huge difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can connect with groups of people who share similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise funds and awareness of the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss classes because of medical appointments or medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or to take examinations.
Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist on autonomy, such as housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether their medications are effective and if there's something that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injury and resulting in cerebral palsy.
A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the harms your family has endured and expected future expenses. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the future.
Some parents fear 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 reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the thousands.
It is essential to speak an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as possible. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. cerebral palsy attorney erie has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your region and explain what you should do next.