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, in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's lifelong needs. Contact us now to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's parts which regulate muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical exam 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 are also possible to order.
Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at the age of 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or struggle to keep their balance and walk on tiptoe.
The least commonly-used type 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 easily and resemble those of the toy doll.
Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first two years of life, unless it is not severe or in which case they could make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage in a fetus, such as rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that hinders the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.
Every patient's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.
Medications to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can assist children to learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy are able to find a family of people who can share their experiences via an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups host fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. cerebral palsy law firm arlington heights can arrange for students who may miss classes due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also create accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults who suffer from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out if their medicines are effective and if there's something that could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area in this field. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to prove the medical providers and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for future expenses that are expected. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from occurring in the future.
Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.
It is crucial to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as possible. Each state has its own statute of limitations, and the sooner you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your region and explain what you should do next.