Why Cerebral Palsy Case Still Matters In 2023

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do thorough physical examinations and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas which regulate muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, as well as review 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 Vimeo skin tests may also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions not found in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at the age of 2. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups and other organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mount zion cerebral palsy lawyer palsy manifest in early childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble keeping their balance.

The most common kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized 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 typically diagnose CP within the first two years of a child's life, except for mild. In that case, they might determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent when babies are born before 32 weeks of age, or with low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could harm the nervous system in development.

Each person's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve function and reduce pain or other signs. In the most severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate or speak, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. Therapy for vimeo recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can connect with a group of people who have similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups also host fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or to take tests.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine 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 available to those living in Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek monetary compensation for losses incurred by your family and the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to other children in the future.

Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit could make them appear greedy, or as if they don't like their child for what they are. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP could be in the millions.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your state and tell you what you must do next.