How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

league city cerebral palsy attorney Palsy is a condition that lasts for throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable richfield cerebral Palsy law firm-palsy lawyer can help families seek fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts that regulate muscle movement. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of hastings cerebral palsy attorney palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that aren't seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage done to the brain part that controls posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The most common type of CP is ataxic, which causes slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic patients CP have a lower muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of the Rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless it is not severe, in which case they could make a diagnosis at the age of 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. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy. This can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can cause inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

The treatment plan for each patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve performance and ease discomfort or other signs. In severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can help children to develop communication skills and richfield cerebral palsy law firm also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a enormous difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can connect with a group of people with similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups also host events that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy during school. They can help students who cannot attend class due to doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also provide accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes and take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and what could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows users to search for their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim can be a means to get financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Each state has a statute of limitations and the earlier you start your case the more favorable. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your area and what you must do next.