How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim

A diagnosis of cerebral paralysis has an enormous impact on the life of the child as well as that of their family. Compensation can help them live a fuller life, with access to equipment, treatment and assistance.

Many cases of cerebral palsy arise from medical negligence. This can be caused by inadequate prenatal care, complications during labor and delivery, or other incidents.

Causes

There is no cure for CP however, early diagnosis and treatment can improve a child's abilities. Doctors can diagnose CP by observing a child's muscle tone and coordination, as well as movement. They might refer children to specialists like neurologists, pediatric orthopedists, and physiatrists who will assist in managing symptoms and increase quality of life.

Every person is affected by cerebral palsy in a unique way. It can be mild with no impact on a child's ability function, or severe enough to cause impairments throughout the body. It can be characterized by a floppy (floppy neck) head as well as stiff or uncontrolled muscles and walking difficulties, or having trouble with speech and other functions. If a child only has cerebral palsy on one side of the body, it's known as hemiplegia. When it happens on both sides, it's called diplegia. In severe cases, CP may lead to locked in (spastic) condition, which is characterized by muscle spasticity. This could limit the person's mobility and result in difficulty speaking and eating.

The occurrence of medical errors during childbirth is a leading cause of CP. Nurses, midwives, and doctors must be careful when delivering babies because damage to the brain may result in serious consequences. If a medical mistake results in oxygen deprivation, or other brain injury that causes cerebral palsy, the doctor may be held liable for negligence. This includes a lack of planning 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, he / is likely to experience an array of physical symptoms. They could be characterized by stiff or tight joints or muscles, a limp, involuntary movement and issues with balance and posture. Other issues can include intellectual disabilities, speech delays as well as hearing and vision issues.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy result from damage to the brain of an infant. This is usually the case during infancy or the early years of childhood. A delay in milestones such as sitting, rolling over, walking, or crawling can be an indication of CP. Children with CP are also more likely to have trouble swallowing and might need a feeding tube.

Many factors can contribute to the development of a brain injury that leads to CP, including infections like rubella, cytomegalovirus or toxoplasmosis in the womb, high blood pressure during pregnancy and genetic predisposition. A massive lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during the birth or during labor is the main cause of CP and bleeding in the brain caused by blood vessels that are damaged or blocked.

Based on the kind of cerebral palsy, symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Spastic cerebral palsy (characterized by stiff muscles) is the most commonly encountered form. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (also known as athetoid or choreoathetoid) involves uncontrolled and slow movement of the arms, legs and the body. Other forms of CP can include ataxic palsy that has a shaky motion, or paraplegic cerebral palsy that affects legs and arms are affected.

Treatment

The specific symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary, a majority of people suffering from the condition are required to deal with stiffness and loss of muscle control. They may also experience issues with balance and coordination. The type of problems they experience is dependent on the area of the brain that was injured as well as the extent of the injury.

Many people suffering from CP require special physical therapy that allows them improve their mobility and muscle tone and stretch and work their muscles and joints. It can also help relieve discomfort and help prevent contractures. It could involve exercises, special braces, or other treatments.

CP is defined by musculoskeletal problems, such as hip dysplasia and patella alta. Scoliosis and cervical stenosis can also be seen. These can cause major problems in mobility, which reduces life expectancy.

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

They can relax overactive or stiff muscles, reduce abnormal movement, relieve pain, and control seizures. These medications can be taken by mouth or directly into the muscles affected, or cerebral palsy into the fluid around your spinal cord.

Compensation

A successful cerebral palsy attorneys palsy claim could result in compensation for your child to pay for specialist care, equipment and treatment. The compensation will be based upon the physical and mental effects of your child's condition, as well as on any expenses or Cerebral Palsy losses that you might have incurred. This could include lost earnings due to you having to work less to care for your children, home adaptations and transport expenses.

Depending on the degree of the injury to your child Your lawyer could hire an expert in disability services to create a "life care plan' that meticulously lists all the needs of your child beginning with the date of their diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This can help you calculate the most accurate amount of compensation. It is typically in the form of a lump sum and annual installments, that can be adjusted to keep up with the rate of inflation.

It is important to understand that the compensation for a legal case that is successful is not a monetary windfall. It is a recognition of unfairness that was caused by a medical professional did not meet their duty of care in pregnancy, labour, and birth.