How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last throughout life and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are often examined by a pediatrician, as along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Psy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's parts which control muscle movement. It usually manifests before or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by looking at the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.
cerebral palsy lawsuit kenosha with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families are able to find support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their feet, hands, and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have difficulty keeping their balance.
The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Those with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a Rag doll.
Doctors usually detect CP within the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that case, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause fetal brain damage, like rubella and German measles. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can be 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 prevalent for babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with low weight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.
Each person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical treatment and create a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve the function or ease pain, medications to lessen the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can help children develop their communication skills and teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The appropriate support can make a significant difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy will find a community of families who can relate to their experiences at meetings in their local area or through an online group. There are many groups that hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the disorder.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or medication. They can also make arrangements in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits.
Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for independence, including housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medicines are working and if they have any other issues which could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts in this field. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an appropriate settlement with medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.
Some parents are afraid that suing for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
It is essential to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as possible. Every state has its own statute of limitations, and the sooner you start your case the more effective. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your particular area, and tell you what you should do next.