Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormalities or damage to a developing brain that harm the brain’s capacity to control movement and keep balance, among other things. The term refers to a group of neurological disorders that appear during infancy and permanently change muscle coordination and body movement. Cerebral palsy treatments vary widely depending on the precise nature of harm a child with birth injuries experiences. Often, however, these treatments are expensive. Many families don’t have enough money saved to retain all the help they need for their children with cerebral palsy. If you are concerned about cerebral palsy treatments, you should discuss your situation with the experienced Syracuse birth injury lawyers of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano. We are members of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, which is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the state. While we cannot guarantee any particular outcome, we work hard to secure justice for the children and families we represent.

When a Syracuse family doctor or pediatrician suspects a child has cerebral palsy, she will evaluate the child for symptoms, growth and development. This may entail review of medical history and a physical exam, as well as a series of diagnostic tests. You may be referred to a specialist for treating children with brain and nervous system conditions such as a pediatric neurologist or child developmental specialist.

Once a treatment plan is determined by the team trying to help your child, certain therapies and rehabilitation programs may need to be instituted. These can cost a significant amount of money. It may be appropriate to sue a doctor who failed to abide by the professional standard of care or provide adequate protection while your child was gestating in the womb, during labor and delivery, or just afterward.

Damage or abnormal development in your baby or child’s brain may be revealed through brain imaging studies and technologies. Doctors may use cranial ultrasound, MRI, EEGs, or laboratory tests. For instance, your child might go through an MRI, which uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create 3D images to identify brain lesions or abnormalities. Cerebral palsy treatments can include rehabilitation and physical therapy soon after being diagnosed. Often physical therapy is crucial to make sure a child keeps or improves in terms of his movement, balance and muscle strength, but other therapies may also be appropriate.

If we successfully establish liability for medical malpractice, you should be able to recover compensatory damages. These are damages intended to make you and your child whole after you’ve suffered losses due to a doctor’s professional negligence. They can include:

• Expenses to cover doctor’s visits
• Costs of medication
• Costs of occupational therapy
• Costs of speech and language therapy
• Costs of recreational therapy
• Orthotic devices
• Assistive devices and technologies.

For instance, a child with cerebral palsy may need computer-based communication machines and medications to relax stiff muscles. In some cases, medication must be infused into the fluid around the spinal cord. Children may need surgery when symptoms are severe, as well. For example, if your child has an abnormally curved spin, surgery may correct this. These costs can be recovered in a successful suit when our attorneys can establish they are necessary.

Additionally, we may be able to obtain compensation for any out-of-pocket expenses or alterations to the home that are necessary due to severe cerebral palsy.

Noneconomic damages we may be able to recover include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment.

If your child needs cerebral palsy treatment due to professional negligence, you should call the experienced Syracuse birth injury attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano. With our 3 decades of experience in personal injury lawsuits, we are well-positioned to make the best possible case to medical providers, insurers, judges and juries. We’ve obtained more than $100 million in personal injury awards. We represent families in Canandaigua, Rochester, Binghamton, Auburn, Watertown, Oswego, Lowville, Wampsville, Lyons, Ithaca, Cooperstown, Oneida, Utica, Herkimer, and Elmira. Complete our online form or call us at 833-200-2000.