Why Cerebral Palsy Case Is Still Relevant In 2023
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP are often examined by a pediatrician, in addition to a physical specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can help families pursue an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that control muscle movement, and it typically occurs before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and observing growth and milestones, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.
Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that aren't typical of normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by the age of two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. cerebral palsy lawsuit vista find it beneficial to join support groups and organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is irreparable and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty maintaining their balance.
The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which results in disorganized and clumsy movements. People with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of the rag doll.
Doctors usually diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this case, they may diagnose the condition at four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that interferes with brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent in babies born before 32 weeks or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.
Each person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve function and reduce pain or other signs. In extreme cases of CP surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles, or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine.
Speech therapists can help children to learn to communicate and also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The appropriate support can make a big difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy will find a group of families who can relate to their experiences via an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups also have fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can arrange for students who will miss class due to doctor's appointments or medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or to take examinations.
Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working or if something else could cause their symptoms to worsen.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan and permits users to search for their insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child's birth injury have committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent these injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.
Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or as if they don't like their child for who they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can reach into the thousands.
Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Every state has a statute of limitations and the sooner you start your case, the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you should do in the next step.