How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician as also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's entire life requirements. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from the damage or cerebral palsy malfunctions in the parts of the brain which control the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by looking at the child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not found in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing and a diagnosis is generally made by age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed and affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble staying in balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. People with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of an rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is not severe, in which case they may make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce their 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 may result from anything that interferes in brain development, Cerebral Palsy including maternal infections during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical treatment and create the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve performance and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can aid children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can connect with groups of people with similar experiences at a local meet or on the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class due to medical visits or to take medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether or not their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.

The cerebral palsy law firm Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and permits users to search using their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering additional evidence that shows that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim is a means to obtain financial compensation for losses incurred 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 occurring to children of other children in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can be in the millions.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney immediately. The earlier you file your case, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your area and what you should do next.