How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim
A diagnosis of cerebral paralysis has profound implications on the life of the child as well as the lives of their families. Compensation can enable them to lead an active and healthy life by providing access to treatment and equipment, as well as support.
Many cases of cerebral palsy arise from medical negligence. It can be caused by the lack of prenatal care, issues during labor and birth or other incidents.
Causes
There is no cure for CP, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the child's capabilities. Doctors can diagnose CP by observing the child's muscle tone and coordination, as well as movement. They might refer the child to specialists such as pediatric neurologists, pediatric orthopedists or physiatrists. These specialists can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Every person suffers from cerebral palsy in a unique way. It can be relatively mild and have no impact on a child's ability but it can also be severe and cause impairments to all areas of the body. The signs include neck that is floppy (floppy neck) stiff or uncontrolled muscle that is difficult to walk or has problems with speech and other functions. If a child only has 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 cause locked in (spastic) condition that is characterized by muscle spasticity. This can restrict the person's mobility and make it difficult to speak and eating.
Medical mistakes during childbirth are the leading cause of CP. Doctors, midwives, and nurses should be aware when delivering babies because brain damage can result in serious consequences. If a medical mistake causes oxygen deprivation or other brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy, the doctor may be held liable for negligence. This is the case when scheduling or performing a C-section urgently or not being able to monitor and escalate the intensity of labor.
Signs and symptoms
If your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, he / is likely to experience various physical symptoms. The symptoms can include tight or stiff muscles or joints, a limp, uncontrolled movements, and issues with balance and posture. Other issues could include intellectual disability, speech delays and vision and hearing issues.
Cerebral palsy is a condition caused due to damage to the young brain, most often during infancy or early childhood. A delay in milestones such as sitting, rolling over, crawling, or walking can be a sign of CP. Children with CP may also have trouble swallowing, and may need a feeding device.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a brain injury that leads to CP. This includes infections such as toxoplasmosis or rubella in the womb; high blood pressure during pregnancy; and genetic predisposition. A serious lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during labor or delivery is a major cause for CP as is bleeding in the brain caused by damaged or blocked blood vessels.
The symptoms can be mild or extreme based on the type. The most prevalent form of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral psoriasis, which is defined by muscles that are stiff. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also known as athetoid choreoathetoid, or choreoathetoid) is defined by the uncontrolled writhing and swaying of the arms, legs and the body. Other forms of CP include ataxic cerebral Palsy (which is characterized by a shaky motion) or paraplegic CP in which the arms and legs are affected.
Treatment
Although cerebral palsy symptoms differ, most sufferers of the condition experience stiffness and loss in muscle control. cerebral palsy law firm connecticut may also have problems with coordination and balance. The type of movement problems they experience will depend on the part of the brain which was injured and the extent of the injury.
Many people with CP require special physical therapy that allows them to improve their muscle tone and mobility and stretch and work their joints and muscles. It can also help relieve pain and help prevent contractures. It can include exercises, special braces, or other treatments.
Musculoskeletal disorders like hip dysplasia, patella alta, cervical stenosis and scoliosis are prevalent in CP. These disorders can lead to significant mobility issues, which reduces life expectancy.
Speech and therapy for language may be used to aid children who are unable to communicate effectively. This can help children learn new ways to communicate and may include signing language, a communication board or voice synthesizers.
Medications can be used to ease stiff or overactive muscles or muscles, limit abnormal movement, reduce pain, and manage seizures. The medication is taken by mouth or injected into the affected muscles or into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord.
Compensation
If your case of cerebral palsy is successful, you can be compensated to provide your child with specialist care, equipment, and treatment. The amount of compensation will be based on the physical and mental impact of your child's condition, as well as on any losses or expenses you might have incurred. This could include loss of earnings due to having to quit work to care for your children, home adaptations and transport costs.
The lawyer you hire may employ an specialist in disability care in accordance with the severity of the injury to your child. The specialist will write a "life care plan" that details their needs from the moment of diagnosis until they turn adults. This can help determine the most accurate compensation amount. This typically is a lump sum and regular annual payments that are adjusted to keep pace with the rate of inflation.
You should be aware that a payout from a legal claim isn't a windfall. It's an acknowledgement of injustice that occurred because medical professionals did not perform their duty of care during labour, pregnancy, and the delivery.