How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim
A diagnosis of cerebral paralysis has profound consequences for the child and their family. Compensation can help them lead an active and fulfilling life by providing access to treatment and equipment, as well as support.
Medical negligence is often the reason for cerebral palsy. It can be caused by the lack of prenatal care, complications during labor and birth or other occurrences.
Causes
There is no cure for CP, but early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the abilities of a child. Doctors determine CP in relation to a child's movement, muscle coordination and tone. They might refer the child to specialists such as pediatric neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. These specialists can assist in managing symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Everyone is affected by cerebral palsy in different ways. It can be mild, with minimal impact on a child's ability to function, or severe enough to cause impairments throughout the body. The signs include an oversized (floppy neck) head and muscles that are stiff or uncontrolled that are difficult to walk, or having difficulty speaking and other functions. If a child's condition is cerebral palsy on one side of the body, it's known as hemiplegia. On both sides, it's called diplegia. The severity of CP could result in locked in (spastic) condition, characterized by muscle spasticity. This can limit the person's mobility and create difficulties with speech and eating.
Medical mistakes in childbirth are a frequent cause of CP. Midwives, doctors and nurses must be careful when delivering babies because brain damage may result in serious consequences. A physician may be held liable for mistakes made in the medical field if an error causes cerebral palsy or brain damage caused by oxygen deficiency. This is the case when scheduling or performing a C-section in a hurry or failing to supervise and escalate an arduous labor.
Symptoms
If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, they'll most likely display a variety of physical signs. The symptoms can include stiff or tight muscles, a limp, uncontrolled movement, and issues with posture and balance. Other issues include intellectual disability, speech delays and vision and hearing issues.
Cerebral palsy symptoms are caused due to damage to the young brain, most often during infancy or early childhood. A delay in reaching milestones, such as sitting up, crawling or walking is a common symptom of CP. cerebral palsy law firm lawrence with CP are also more likely to have trouble swallowing and might need a feeding tube.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a brain injury that leads to CP. These include infections like toxoplasmosis or rubella in the womb, high blood pressure during pregnancy; and genetic predisposition. Asphyxia (a serious lack of oxygen) during labor or birth is a leading cause of CP.
The symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the kind of. The most prevalent type of cerebral palsy can be described as spastic cerebral palsy. It is characterized by muscles that are stiff. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also known as athetoid, choreoathetoid, or choreoathetoid) is defined by slow and uncontrolled writhing movements of the legs, arms and the body. Other types of CP include ataxic cerebral Palsy (which is characterized by a shakey movement) or paraplegic CP which affects the arms and legs are affected.
Treatment
While the symptoms of cerebral palsy differ, most people suffering from the condition experience stiffness and decrease in muscle control. They may also experience issues with balance and coordination. The kind of problems they experience will depend on the area of the brain which was injured and the severity.
Many people suffering from CP need specific physical therapy in order to increase their muscle tone, mobility, and stretch their joints and muscles. It can also relieve tension and prevent contractures. It can include exercises, special braces or other treatments.
CP is characterized by musculoskeletal disorders that include patella alta and hip dysplasia. Scoliosis and cervical stenosis are also common. These conditions can cause major mobility problems that reduce the lifespan.
Other treatments can include speech and language therapies for children who cannot communicate effectively. This may help children learn new ways to communicate. This may include communication board, or voice synthesizers.
The use of medications can relax stiff or overactive muscles or muscles, limit abnormal movement, reduce pain and seizures. These medications can be administered by mouth or directly into the affected muscles, or into the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord.
Compensation
If your cerebral palsy case is successful, you may be compensated to provide your child with special care, equipment, and treatment. The amount of compensation will depend on the physical and mental consequences of your child's condition as well as any expenses or losses you may have incurred. These could include loss of income due to having to take a break from work to take care of your child, home adaptions and transport costs to get your child to and from appointments.
Based on the degree of the injury to your child, your lawyer may hire a specialist in disability care to write a "life care plan' that clearly lists all the needs of your child beginning with the date of their diagnosis until adulthood. This will help you determine an exact amount of compensation. This is usually in the form of a lump-sum and annual installments, which could be indexed to keep pace with the rate of inflation.
You must be aware that the compensation awarded for a successful legal claim is not a windfall. It's a recognition that injustice has occurred due to medical professionals didn't fulfill their duty of providing care during labor, pregnancy and delivery.