How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a no-cost case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually manifests before or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin might also be requested.
Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made at 2 years of age. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and other organizations for their children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore and have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
The least common type of CP is ataxic. It causes slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild, in which case they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can be caused by anything that interferes with brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are more at risk likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can harm the nervous system in development.
The treatment plan for every patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical treatment and create a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.
Medications to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve function and ease discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can assist children to learn to communicate and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy are able to find a group of families who can relate to their experiences via meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups also hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can help students who cannot attend class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults with CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine if their medicines are effective and if there's something that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to people in Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the future.
Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit makes them look greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can be in the millions.
Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. cerebral palsy attorney gulfport file your claim, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your specific area, as well as what you need to do in the next step.