How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are often examined by a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

payette cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscles, and it typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often show delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made at the age of 2. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to join support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls posture and movement. The damage is irreparable and affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have difficulty staying in balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type that results in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically detect CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In that case, they might determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage to the fetus like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for cerebral all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.

The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an unusually bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children develop their communication skills and help parents improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can join an entire group of people who have similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also host fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan for students who cannot attend class because of doctor's visits or medication. They can also make accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for Cerebral students to travel between classes and take tests or doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out if their medications are working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy attorney will assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the harms your family has experienced and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making changes and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice attorney whenever you can. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case, the more effective. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you need to do in the next step.