Why Is There All This Fuss About Cerebral Palsy Case
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
cerebral palsy lawsuits Palsy is a condition that lasts for throughout life and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain which control muscles, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, as well as review the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP often show delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made by age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or struggle to keep their balance and walk on tiptoe.
Ataxic CP is the least popular type, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this case, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently in babies born prior to 32 weeks of age, or with low weight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can cause inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.
Each individual's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should oversee medical care and create treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve function and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can aid children learn to communicate and help parents enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences via an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups also have fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.
Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students will miss classes due to medical visits or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or to take tests.
Adults who suffer from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if 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 has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to people in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you get 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 providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and that led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a method to seek financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about bringing about changes and additional policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to others children in the near future.
Some parents worry that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP can be in the millions.
It is crucial to speak with 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 can provide you with the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you need to do next.