How to File a cerebral palsy attorneys Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will take the medical history, take a thorough physical exam and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifelong needs. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy lawsuits Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain which control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing milestones and growth, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP might exhibit 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. The condition is difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made at age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be. Many families are able to find support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain part that regulates the movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect muscles and body movements.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. The people with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their arms and legs are able to move easily and mimic the movements of an Rag doll.

Doctors usually detect CP in the first two years of a child's life, except for mild. In this case, they might determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is essential to take care of all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result from anything that interferes in brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent for babies born before 32 weeks, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

To improve function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness can be prescribed. In severe cases of CP, surgery can lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to help their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a significant difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children may find a group of individuals who share similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups host fundraisers to raise funds and awareness for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can help students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for arrangements in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine whether their medications are working or if something else 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 company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate an appropriate settlement with medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed mistakes that resulted in brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has endured and expected future expenses. It's also about creating changes and other guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to other children in the future.

Some parents worry that suing for medical malpractice will make them look greedy, or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

It's important to consult with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Every state has a statute of limitations and the earlier you start your case the more favorable. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your state and tell you what you must do next.