How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong needs. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate muscle movement, and it typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of bernardsville cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms, medical history and physical exam, monitoring milestones and growth, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin could also be requested.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of turtle creek cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy appear during early childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, cerebral palsy and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They might drool and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually diagnose CP within the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which could help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can cause inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve function and ease pain or other signs. In extreme cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct issues such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to help their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can join a community of families who can share their experiences by attending a local gathering or online groups. Many groups also have fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss class due to doctor visits or to take medication. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medications are effective and if there's something which 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. It is available to people who live in Michigan, and it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove the physicians and medical facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the harms your family has suffered and expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop these types of injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or as if they don't like their child for what they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can be in the millions.

It is essential to speak an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case, the better. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your region, and also what you should do in the next step.