How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that can last for a lifetime 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 a thorough physical exam and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas which regulate muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin might also be ordered.
Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families are able to look for support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might drool or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on tiptoe.
The most common type of CP is ataxic. It causes unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is mild or in which case they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that can cause brain damage in a fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also essential for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout 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, ranging from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent for babies born before 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
Every person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist must oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that take care of specific symptoms and needs.
To improve function or reduce pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness may be used. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem like an atypically curving spine.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The proper support can make a big difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy are able to find an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences through a local gathering or online group. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can help students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also create accommodations in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for independence, including housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be causing the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan, and it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an appropriate settlement with medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence that shows that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed mistakes that resulted in cerebral palsy and brain damage.
cerebral palsy lawyer kentucky seeks compensation for the harms your family has endured and anticipated future expenses. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.
Some parents worry that suing for medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can reach into the millions.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you should do following.