How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts for all of life and requires medical care. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician as also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical examination and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining 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

woodcliff lake cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas that control muscle movement. It usually occurs before or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made by age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear in early childhood, and result from damage to the part of brain that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or struggle to keep their balance and walk on tiptoe.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy movements. The people with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone, and their arms and legs are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, except for mild. In that scenario, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or who have low birth weights are at greater chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.

The treatment plan for every person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve performance and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct a problem like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to enhance their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children may find groups of people who share similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. There are many groups that hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan for students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's appointments or medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing additional time between classes or to take tests.

Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine whether their medications are working, and if anything could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Algona Cerebral Palsy Law Firm Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injury and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has suffered and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents are afraid that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your particular area and the steps you need to do next.