How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take an medical history, conduct thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and control. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts that regulate the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, observing the growth and milestones of the child, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. cerebral palsy lawyer livermore is usually made at age two. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands and arms. They might also have difficulty reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have trouble holding their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least frequent kind, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors usually detect CP in the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this case, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are more at risk chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.
Each person's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.
To improve functionality or alleviate discomfort, medications to ease the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In the case of severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.
Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.
Support
Finding the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find a community of families who can share their experiences by attending a local meeting or online groups. Many groups also host events that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss class because of medical appointments or to take medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or for taking exams.
Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as housing and finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medications are working and if something could cause their symptoms to worsen.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this field. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows users to search using their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.
Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit makes them look greedy or like they don't accept their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you start your case the better. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your particular area and the steps you need to do next.