How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP are often examined by a pediatrician as along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctor will take an examination of their medical history, perform an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control muscle movement. It typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical exam, monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups and other organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They might also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
Ataxic CP is the least popular type that results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
Doctors usually detect CP within the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that case, they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that affects the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent for babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and pregnant fever can affect the nervous system of the baby.
Every patient's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.
Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) might be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal issues like an unusually curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists help children learn to communicate or speak, and they can 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
The proper support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find a family of people who can share their experiences at a local gathering or online groups. Many groups organize fundraising events to raise money and awareness of the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy at school. They can help students who cannot attend class due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.
cerebral palsy attorneys evanston with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing or finding work and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms 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 those living in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you obtain an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal claim can be a means to obtain financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members and for 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 fear that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them appear greedy, or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
It is crucial to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The sooner you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply to your specific area, as well as what you should do following.