How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take an medical history, conduct thorough physical examinations and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a a free case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a complication that affects the ability to move, balance and coordinate. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically manifests before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam 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. Testing of urine, blood and skin can also be requested.
Babies born with CP often show delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and other organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage done to the brain region that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is irreparable and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
Doctors typically detect CP within the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In that situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against illnesses that can cause brain damage to the fetus such as rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for every person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve function or reduce pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness may be used. In the most severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.
Speech therapists are able to assist children to learn to communicate and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can join a community of families who can share their experiences through meetings in their local area or through an online group. There are many groups that hold 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 be absent because of doctor visits or to take medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time between classes or for taking tests.
Adults suffering from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medications are effective or if something else could be causing their symptoms to get worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you get a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove the medical providers and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are anticipated. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to others children in the near future.
Some parents fear that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy, or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. cerebral palsy lawyer brockton will provide you with the laws of your area and what you must do next.