How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts for all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical exam, and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable Cerebral Palsy lawyer (vimeo.com) will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong requirements. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate muscles, and it typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms such as medical history, Cerebral Palsy lawyer physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin could also be ordered.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around the age of two. The the earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually manifest in early childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls the movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their hands, feet and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might drool or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic. It causes unorganized and awkward movements. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of the rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild and in that case, they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that could cause fetal brain damage, like rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which can help avoid complications such as premature birth and cerebral palsy lawyer low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused from any issue that can hinder brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can harm the nervous system in development.

The treatment plan for every person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve performance and ease pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can aid children learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can join groups of people who share similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups have fundraisers to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss class due to doctor visits or to take medicine. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or to take exams.

Adults suffering from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if there's anything which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. The database is accessible to people in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you get an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and which led to summerville cerebral palsy law firm palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek monetary compensation for losses suffered by your family and future expenses that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents fear that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can reach into the thousands.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your particular area, and tell you what you should do next.