How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP usually visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take a medical history, do thorough physical examinations and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Psy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions that control muscle movement. It usually manifests before or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin can also be ordered.
Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made by age 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. 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 typically diagnose children with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless the condition is not severe or in which case they could make a diagnosis by age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage in a fetus, including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and insufficient 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. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born before 32 weeks or having low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
The treatment plan for each person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.
To improve functionality or alleviate pain, medications to lessen the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to speak or communicate and also instruct parents how to facilitate their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make a big difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find a family of people who can relate to their experiences by attending a local gathering or online groups. Many groups also host fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead for when students will be absent because of doctor visits or to take medication. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.
Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether or not their medications are effective and if there's something that could be causing the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered and expected future costs. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.
Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit could make them appear greedy, or as if they don't like their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
It is crucial to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice whenever you can. The earlier you file your claim, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. cerebral palsy law firm east orange can provide you with the laws in your specific area, as well as what you should do next.