How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, as 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 lewistown cerebral palsy law firm-palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us now to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

franklin cerebral palsy lawyer palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas which regulate muscle movement. It usually manifests before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin can also be requested.

Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and Vimeo exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by age two. The sooner a child's illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in early childhood and result from damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.

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

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which can cause unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their life, unless it is not severe and in that case, they might make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that affects brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently in babies born prior to 32 weeks, or with an infant who is overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could harm the nervous system in development.

Each individual's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve function and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists are able to assist children learn to communicate and also teach 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

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find a group of families who can share their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups have fundraising events to raise money and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead when students will miss class due to medical visits or medication. They can also arrange for arrangements in the classroom, for example, allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out if their medications are working or if something else could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and permits users to search using their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors 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 damages your family has endured and expected future expenses. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or as if they don't like their child for who they are. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for someone with CP could be in the thousands.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do in the next step.