How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts throughout life and requires medical care. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician as along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect an medical history, conduct an extensive physical examination and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.
A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact cerebral palsy attorney bryan to arrange an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and 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 born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it helpful to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the brain part that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is not reversible and affects the body's movements and muscle coordination.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty maintaining their balance.
The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which results in slow and unorganized movements. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of an rag doll.
Doctors typically diagnose CP within the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this case, they might be able to diagnose it at four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that can cause brain damage to the fetus like rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can result from anything that interferes in brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.
Each person's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and create treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve function or reduce pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness may be used. In severe cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an atypically curving spine.
Speech therapists help children learn to speak or communicate, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy are able to find a community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups hold events to raise funds and raise awareness about the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss class because of doctor visits or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine if their medications are working and if there's anything that could be causing the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an appropriate settlement with medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to show that the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulted in cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to obtain financial compensation for losses suffered by your family as well as the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent such injuries from happening to any other children in the coming years.
Some parents are afraid that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
It is essential to speak an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as possible. Each state has a statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your state and tell you what you should do next.