How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin might also be ordered.
Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and other organizations for their children.
Symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy are evident during early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, which results in unorganized and clumsy movements. People with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of the rag doll.
Doctors usually detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In this case, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also essential that mothers receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy to help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at a higher likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the mother's fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.
Each person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical treatment and create a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve the function and ease discomfort or other signs. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct issues like an atypically curving spine.
Speech therapists can assist children learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's abilities to communicate. 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. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can connect with a group of individuals who share similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also have fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the disorder.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy at school. cerebral palsy law firm farmington hills can plan for students who may miss classes due to doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether their medicines are working and if there's anything which could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists with this condition. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining additional evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the losses your family has endured and expected future expenses. It's about making changes and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from occurring in the future.
Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.
It is crucial to speak an attorney for medical malpractice whenever you can. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your state and tell you what you need to do next.