How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are often examined by a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A reputable escondido cerebral palsy lawyer-palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of settlement for their child’s lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that impairs the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain’s parts which control the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by evaluating the child’s symptoms as well as medical history and physical exam, monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.
Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions not typical of normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child’s condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are evident during early childhood and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.
The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. Those with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of the Rag doll.
Doctors usually detect CP within the beginning of the child’s life, except for mild. In this situation, they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to lower the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that affects the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are more at risk chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can cause inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.
Every person’s CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
To improve function or ease pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and teach parents how to enhance their child’s communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.
Support
Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children may find groups of people who have similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups host fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan for students who may miss classes due to doctor’s appointments or medication. They can also provide accommodations for students in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults with CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine whether their medications are effective and what could cause their symptoms to worsen.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this field. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you get an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child’s injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing guttenberg cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy and brain damage.
A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for losses suffered by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It’s about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the near future.
Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or that they don’t appreciate their child for what they are. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person with CP can be in the millions.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do next.