How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, well as a physical 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 lawyer for cerebral palsy can help families seek fair settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a free case evaluation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts which regulate the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to, during, or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin might also be ordered.
Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reverseable and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.
The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy movements. 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 detect CP within the first two years of a child's life, except for mild. In that case, they might determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against illnesses that can cause fetal brain damage, like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy is caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent for babies born before 32 weeks, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
Every patient's CP treatment plan is different. 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 ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness may be used. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.
Support
The appropriate support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can find a group of families who can relate to their experiences via meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition.
Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in school. They can arrange for students who may miss classes because of doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out whether their medications are working or if something else could be making their symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you obtain a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a method to obtain financial compensation for losses suffered by your family and future expenses that are expected. It's about making changes and adopting additional policies to prevent these kinds of injuries from happening in the future.
Parents are concerned that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. However, cerebral palsy lawsuit fargo is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP could be in the millions.
It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the sooner you start your case the better. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your region, and also what you need to do next.