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How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform an extensive physical examination and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis





Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain which control muscle movement. It usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy by evaluating the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, and observing the growth and milestones of the child, and review 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 could also be requested.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made at age 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the brain region that controls the movement and posture. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic, which results in disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually detect CP in the first two years of a child's existence, unless there is a mild. In cerebral palsy lawsuit meridian , they may determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also essential that mothers receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any cause that hinders brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born prior to 32 weeks or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.

Every person's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve function and reduce pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues like an unusually bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children learn to communicate and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a significant difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can join groups of people with similar experiences at a local gathering or on the internet. Many groups hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead when students are unable to attend classes due to doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes, take tests or doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing as well as finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine whether their medication is working, and if anything could be causing their symptoms to get 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 Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has endured and expected future expenses. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to stop these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you start your case, the more favorable. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your particular area, and tell you what you should do next.