How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral psy is a condition that will last throughout life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.
cerebral palsy lawyer fresno can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts that control muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores can also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it helpful to join support groups as well as organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the brain part that controls the movement and posture. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble holding their balance.
Ataxic CP is the least common type, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. Hypotonic patients CP have a lower muscle tone, and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of the Rag doll.
Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is not severe and in that case, they may make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are at a higher chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for every patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and formulate treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve functionality or alleviate discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness may be used. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal issues such as an unnaturally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to help their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.
Support
The right support can make big difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy will find an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students are unable to attend classes due to doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also create accommodations for students in the classroom for example, allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults suffering from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you obtain a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that proves that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim can be a means to seek monetary compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring in the future.
Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.
It is important to talk with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your region and explain what you need to do next.