A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Cerebral Palsy Case
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a complication that affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate muscle movement. It typically manifests before or shortly after birth.
Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, observing the growth and milestones of the child, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.
Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups and organizations for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the part of brain that controls the body's posture and movements. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have difficulty holding their balance.
The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic. It causes unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless mild. In this situation, they could determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to lower the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is essential for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
Each person's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical treatment and create the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.
To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness may be used. In the most severe cases of CP surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.
Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.
Support
The proper support can make a significant difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children may find a group of individuals with similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups have fundraisers to raise funds and awareness for the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will be absent due to doctor visits or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist on autonomy, such as housing as well as finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out if their medications are working and if they have any other issues 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 lawyer can help you negotiate an appropriate settlement with medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim can be a means to get financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's also about bringing about changes and additional policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.
Parents are concerned that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. cerebral palsy lawsuit worcester can provide you with the laws in your specific area, as well as what you need to do in the next step.