7 Helpful Tricks To Making The Most Of Your Cerebral Palsy Case

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP usually visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take an medical history, conduct a thorough physical exam and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscles, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy lawsuits paralysis manifest in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable and can affect the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands and arms. They might also have trouble reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or have difficulty keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, Cerebral palsy resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors usually diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this case, they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that may cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common when babies are born before 32 weeks or having babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.

Every patient's CP treatment plan differs 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.

Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other signs. In severe cases of CP surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct issues such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or Cerebral Palsy communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy law firms palsy and their children may find a group of individuals who have the same experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will be absent because of doctor visits or to take medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you get a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires additional evidence that shows that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent these kinds of injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Every state has a statute of limitations and the sooner you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your state and tell you what you need to do next.