Something's wrong with my 2 years old kid . How do I know if he has cerebral palsy?
Many parents don't realize that their child has cerebral palsy during the first couple of years. Symptoms develop over time and become more apparent at age 2 and 3. Below are the most common symptoms of cerebral palsy.
- Weakened muscles
- Highly spastic muscles
- Inability to sit upright comfortably
- Muscles move with shakes and jerks
- Inability to change positions easily
- Lack of sucking reflexes
- Ongoing tremors
- Exaggerated drooling
- Diminished tongue control
- Lack of control of facial muscles
- Low fine motor skills (difficulty drawing, coloring, and holding utensils)
- Low gross motor skills (difficulty or the inability to walk or throw a ball)
Why does my child have cerebral palsy?
Approximately 10% of all cerebral palsy cases are caused by a lack of oxygen. The lack of oxygen may occur during gestation but most often occurs during labor and delivery. Other causes of cerebral palsy are:
- Blood disease
- Premature birth
- Maternal infection
I liked my doctor; but, I think he made a mistake. Is this medical malpractice? Do I need cerebral palsy attorneys?
There are hundreds of thousands of perfectly healthy babies born each year. But, sometimes, a medical mistake is made and malpractice occurs. Your baby is injured. Medical malpractice occurred if your doctor made a medical mistake and that mistake caused her baby's brain damage and cerebral palsy. Do you think that your doctor made a medical mistake?
You need cerebral palsy attorneys if you think that your doctor or other medical personnel made a medical mistake. Your doctor may have made a medical mistake if:
- You heard or saw medical staff indicate that your labor or delivery should have gone differently
- Your child is visited by a medical specialist in the hospital and/or you are asked to follow up with a medical specialist
- Apgar results are low
- Your child didn't breath immediately upon birth
- The doctor had your baby admitted to the NICU and/or insisted that your baby stay more than one night in the hospital
- A cesarean was performed after natural birth was attempted
My doctor's insurance company has offered me $200,000; should I take it?
Do not speak to your doctor's insurance company and, certainly, don't sign anything from them. No insurance company is your friend. Like car salesman they pretend to be friendly so get you to agree to the lowest payout possible. They are in business to make money, not to help people.
It is in your best interest to consult with a qualified cerebral palsy attorney who is ethically and legally on your side. When facing mounding medical bills, an offer of $200,000 seems like a lot of money. Likely, it is not. You may be entitled to quite a bit more money, but you will only know that if you consult with an attorney.
Where can I find the help that I need?
Your cerebral palsy attorney understands your situation and stress, and can help you. Call a Duffy and Duffy highly qualified cerebral palsy attorney at 516.394.4200 for a free consultation.