How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, as along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Diagnosis

scappoose cerebral palsy attorney Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control muscle movement. It typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical exam, monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, «link» toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions not observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at age two. The sooner a child's illness 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

The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in the beginning of childhood and result from damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore and have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. Hypotonic patients CP are prone to muscle weakness and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of the toy doll.

Doctors usually detect CP within the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In that scenario, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to reduce the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at a higher likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the mother's fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.

The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and formulate the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness may be used. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The right support can make enormous difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can find groups of people who share similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also host fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for times when students are unable to attend classes due to doctor visits or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing or finding work and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine whether their medication is working and if something could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The marysville cerebral palsy lawyer Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and permits people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek monetary compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are anticipated. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.

Parents are concerned that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. But the truth is that the cost of caring for someone with CP can reach into the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your area and what you need to do next.