How to Make a Successful Cerebral Palsy Claim
A diagnosis of cerebral paralysis has a profound impact on the life of the child as well as the lives of their families. Compensation can help them live a full and fulfilling life, with access to the equipment, care and support.
Medical negligence is usually the cause of cerebral palsy. It could be due to an absence of medical attention during pregnancy, difficulties during delivery or other incidents.
Causes
There is no cure for CP however early diagnosis and treatment can improve the capabilities of a child. Doctors can diagnose CP by looking at the child's muscle tone and coordination. They can refer the child to specialists like neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists to assist in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for children.
Cerebral Palsy affects each person differently. It can be relatively mild and have no impact on the abilities of a child but it can also be severe and cause impairments to every body part. The symptoms could include a head that is floppy (floppy neck), stiff or uncontrolled muscle and walking difficulties, or problems with speech and other functions. If a child's condition is cerebral palsy on one side of the body, it's called hemiplegia; on both sides, it's diplegia. In severe cases, CP could result in a locked-in (spastic) condition, which is characterized by muscle spasticity. This can restrict the person's mobility and create difficulties with speech and eating.
cerebral palsy lawsuit jersey city -related medical errors are the most common cause of CP. Doctors, midwives, and nurses should be extra cautious when giving birth to babies as brain damage could have serious consequences. If a medical mistake results in oxygen deprivation or other brain injuries that cause cerebral palsy, the doctor could be held accountable for negligence. This is the case when scheduling or performing a C-section in a hurry or failing to supervise and escalate the intensity of labor.
Symptoms
If your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, they will most likely show a variety of physical signs. These symptoms may include tight or stiff muscles as well as a limp, uncontrolled movements, and issues with posture and balance. Other issues include intellectual disability, speech delays and hearing and vision problems.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy result from damage to an immature brain. It usually occurs in the infant or early years of childhood. A slowing down in reaching milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling or walking is a common symptom of CP. Children with CP are also more likely to have difficulties swallowing and may require a feeding tube.
Many factors can contribute to a brain injury that leads to CP. This includes infections like toxoplasmosis or rubella in the womb; high blood pressure during pregnancy; and genetic predisposition. Asphyxia (a massive lack of oxygen) during labor or delivery is a leading cause of CP.
Based on the type of cerebral palsy, the symptoms may vary from mild to severe. The most prevalent type of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral palsy. It is characterised by stiff muscles. Dyskinetic cerebral Palsy (also called athetoid choreoathetoid or choreoathetoid), is defined by the uncontrolled writhing and swaying of the legs, arms, and body. Other types of CP include ataxic cerebral palsy (which has a shaky, jerky movement) or paraplegic CP, where the arms and legs are affected.
Treatment
While the symptoms specific to cerebral palsy can vary, a majority of sufferers have to manage stiffness and loss of muscle control. They may also have problems with coordination and balance. The type of issues they have depend on the area of the brain that was injured and the severity.
Many people suffering from CP require special physical therapy which helps them improve their muscle tone and mobility and stretch and exercise their joints and muscles. It can also help relieve discomfort and prevent contractures. It can include exercises, braces with special features, or other treatments.
CP is characterized by musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia and patella alta. Scoliosis and cervical stenosis are also common. These disorders can lead to significant mobility issues that reduce the lifespan.
Speech and therapy for language can be used to assist children who are not able to communicate effectively. This can assist them to learn new ways of communicating and may involve sign language, communication boards or voice synthesizers.
These medicines can be used to decrease abnormal movements, ease pain, and prevent seizures. These medications can be administered by mouth or directly into the affected muscles or into the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord.
Compensation
A successful cerebral palsy claim can result in compensation for your child's for special care, equipment and treatment. The amount of compensation will depend upon the physical and mental consequences of your child's condition as well as any losses or expenses you may have incurred. This could include loss of earnings due to the fact that you have to quit work to care for your children, house modifications and transport expenses.
Your lawyer might hire an expert in disability-related care, depending on the severity of the injuries to your child. This specialist will draft a "life care plan" which outlines the needs of your child from the moment of diagnosis until they are adults. This can help you calculate an accurate amount of compensation. This usually will be a lump sum and regular annual payments, which can be adjusted to reflect the rate of inflation.
You must be aware that a payout from a legal claim isn't a windfall. It's an acknowledgement that injustice was committed, all because a medical professional failed in their obligation to care during pregnancy, labour and delivery.