How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.
Diagnosis
Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas that control the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.
Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions 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 that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and other organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates the movement and posture. This damage is not reversible, and it affects the body's movements and muscle coordination.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may snore or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which results in poor coordination and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
Doctors often diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is mild or in which case they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against illnesses that can cause brain damage in the fetus, such as rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can result by anything that hinders brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for each individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve the function and ease discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication. cerebral palsy attorneys fresno to recreation involves children participating in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy are able to find a group of families who can share their experiences through meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups organize events to raise funds and awareness of the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who cannot attend class due to medical appointments or medication. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or to take tests.
Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medications are effective and what could cause them to feel worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists with 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 the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the damages your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from happening in the near future.
Some parents fear that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them 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 crucial to speak with a medical malpractice attorney immediately. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case, the better. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your region and explain what you need to do next.