How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can last for a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children with CP usually visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will collect a medical history, do thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as 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 arrange an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, cerebral Palsy lawyer orthopedists for cerebral palsy lawyer children and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin can also be requested.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as hyperactive reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dade city cerebral palsy attorney palsy appear during early childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic. It causes slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is mild, in which case they might make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born prior to 32 weeks of age, or with low weight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections may trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

The treatment plan for every individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or ease pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness may be used. In severe cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists can aid children to develop communication skills and help parents improve their child's communication abilities. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a enormous difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children may find a group of individuals who have similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in school. They can arrange for students who cannot attend class due to medical appointments or medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing or finding work and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective or if something else could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area in this field. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.

Legal Questions

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

A legal claim is a method to get financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members as well as future expenses that are expected. It's also about making changes and implementing additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy, or look like they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

It is important to talk an attorney for medical malpractice whenever you can. The sooner you file your case the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your area and what you must do next.