How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are often seen by a pediatrician, also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions that control the movement of muscles. It usually manifests before or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They can 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 developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is generally made by the age of 2. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless it is mild and in that case, they might make a diagnosis by age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage to the fetus such as rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy to help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born before 32 weeks, or with an infant who is overweight at birth. 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 each person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve the function or ease pain, medications that reduce 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 like an unusually curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children learn to communicate and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can join groups of people who have similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. Many groups also host fundraisers to raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for students who cannot attend class because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing, finding a job, and claiming benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out if their medicines are working and if there's anything which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists with this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy attorneys palsy lawyer will help you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are 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 acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members as well as the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent such injuries from occurring to other children in the future.

Parents are concerned that suing for medical malpractice will make them look greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer immediately. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you need to do next.