알마즌닷컴

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral psy is a condition that can last for a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take a medical history, do an extensive physical exam, and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong needs. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy lawyers paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain that regulate muscle movement. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination as well as 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. Testing of urine, blood and skin can also be requested.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families are able to find 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 area that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. People with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of the toy doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is mild and in that case, they could make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated for diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any cause that hinders brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently in babies born prior to 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can harm the nervous system in development.

Every person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or ease pain, medications that reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children develop their communication skills and teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy are able to find an entire community of families who can share their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups also hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or taking medication. They can also provide accommodation in the classroom for things like giving students extra time between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine whether their medications are working or if something else could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you get a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury suffered by your child committed negligence, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the harms your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to stop these types of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can reach into the thousands.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Every state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you start your case the better. A lawyer can provide you with the laws in your area, and what you should do following.