How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts for throughout life and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a disorder which affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts 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 symptoms and medical history, physical examination milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin could also be requested.
Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage done to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reverseable and affects the body's movements and muscle coordination.
Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty maintaining their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least common type that results in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are more at risk likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections may trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.
The treatment plan for every person suffering from CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
cerebral palsy lawyer farmington hills to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. In the most severe cases of CP surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues such as an unusually curved spine.
Speech therapists are able to assist children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children may find an entire group of people who have the same experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise funds and awareness of the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for when students will miss classes due to medical visits or medication. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or to take tests.
Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether or not their medications are working and if they have any other issues that could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this condition. The database is available to those living in Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a method to obtain financial compensation for losses suffered by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent such injuries from occurring in the future.
Some parents worry that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP can be in the thousands.
Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your region and explain what you should do next.