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 family. Compensation can help them live an active and fulfilling life by providing access to treatment, equipment and assistance.

Many cases of cerebral palsy are the result of medical negligence. This can be due to a lack of medical attention during pregnancy, difficulties during the birth process or other incidents.

Causes

There is no cure for CP but early detection and treatment can improve the child's capabilities. Doctors determine CP in relation to the child's muscle tone and coordination. They may refer the child to specialists, like pediatric neurologists, pediatric orthopedists or physiatrists. These specialists can assist in managing symptoms and improve quality of life.

Every person suffers from cerebral palsy in different ways. It can be mild, with no impact on a child's ability function, or severe enough to cause physical impairments throughout the body. The symptoms can include a floppy head (floppy neck), muscles that are stiff or uncontrolled that is difficult to walk or has difficulties with speech and other functions. If a child only has kittanning Cerebral Palsy attorney palsy on one side of the body, it's known as hemiplegia. On both sides, it's known as diplegia. The severity of CP can cause a locked-in (spastic) condition that is characterized by muscle spasticity that restricts an individual's movements and leads to difficulties with speech and eating.

The occurrence of medical errors during childbirth is an often-repeated reason for CP. Nurses, midwives, and doctors should be cautious when delivering babies as damage to the brain can have serious consequences. If a medical mistake causes oxygen deprivation or other brain injuries that cause cerebral palsy, the doctor could be held accountable for malpractice. This includes negligence in scheduling or performing a C-section in a hurry or failing to control and escalate a complicated labor.

Signs and symptoms

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, they will most likely display a variety of physical signs. The symptoms can include tight or stiff muscles or joints, a limp, uncontrolled movements, and issues with posture and balance. Other issues could include intellectual disability, speech delays as well as hearing and vision issues.

woodburn cerebral palsy attorney palsy is a condition caused by damage to the immature brain, typically in infancy or early childhood. A delay in milestones such as rolling over, sitting, walking, or crawling could be a sign of CP. Children with CP may also have difficulties swallowing and may require a feeding device.

Several factors can contribute to the development of a brain injury that causes CP that can be caused by infections such as toxoplasmosis, rubella or cytomegalovirus in the womb, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and genetic predisposition. A significant lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during pregnancy or birth is a major cause of CP and bleeding in the brain from damaged or blocked blood vessels.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the type. Spastic cerebral palsy (characterized by stiff muscles) is the most commonly encountered type. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also called athetoid, choreoathetoid, or choreoathetoid), is characterised by a slow and uncontrolled writhing of the arms, legs and the body. Other forms of CP include ataxic cerebral Palsy (which has a shaky, jerky movement) or paraplegic CP in which the legs and arms are affected.

Treatment

While the symptoms of cerebral palsy vary, the majority of sufferers of the condition experience stiffness and loss in muscle control. They may also be struggling with coordination and balance. The type of problem that they have depends on which brain area was injured and the degree of the injury.

Many people suffering from CP require specific physical therapy that assists them to improve their mobility and muscle tone and stretch and work their muscles and joints. It can also relieve the discomfort and prevent contractures. Braces, exercises or other treatments could be included.

CP is characterised by musculoskeletal conditions such as hip dysplasia and patella alta. Scoliosis and cervical stenosis are also common. These disorders can lead to major mobility problems, which reduces life expectancy.

Speech and therapy for language may be used to aid children who are not able to communicate effectively. This can help children learn new ways of communicating and could include communication board or voice synthesizers.

These medications can be used to reduce the abnormal movement, reduce pain, and control seizures. These medications are ingested by mouth or injected into affected muscles or into the fluid around the spinal cord.

Compensation

A successful cerebral palsy claim could result in compensation for your child to pay for specialized care, equipment and treatment. The amount will be determined on the physical and mental consequences of your child's condition, as well as on any expenses or losses you may have suffered. These could include loss of income due to having to stop work to care for your child, home adaptations and transportation costs to transport your child to and from appointments.

Your lawyer might hire an expert in disability care dependent on the severity of the injury to your child. This specialist will draft an "life care plan" that will outline their needs from the time of diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood. This will allow you to calculate the most accurate amount of compensation. It typically will be an amount in lump sum and annual payments, which can be adjusted to keep pace with the rate of inflation.

You must be aware that the compensation resulting from a successful legal claim isn't a windfall. It's a recognition of the fact that injustice has occurred, and all due to a medical professional failed in their obligation to medical care during pregnancy, labour and the birth.