Screening and Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy: Explained by Our Portland Birth Injury Lawyers
There are many different types of serious birth injuries that could result in catastrophic personal injuries to an innocent newborn. One of the most severe, or potentially most severe, types of birth injuries includes cerebral palsy. Also known as CP, cerebral palsy is a type of brain injury which results in weakness and permanent damage. It commonly is caused during the rapid development of the brain which occurs in utero, during and after the birthing process (labor), and sometimes within the first two years of life. This is the time period where the brain is rapidly developing and gaps in development can result in lesions on the brain. These lesions are what cause the damage. But even with large lesions, cerebral palsy can be difficult to diagnose. This is why the screening and diagnosis of cerebral palsy is very important.
The earlier that invention can be started, the better off a child may be. While there are some forms of CP which could result permanent damage which is not repairable, help with early intervention can make a difference. But beyond all of that, it is also important to realize that screening and diagnosis of cerebral palsy is also important from a legal standpoint.
This is because of something known as the statute of limitations period. This is a time limit on your case. This means that you must file a claim within this time period or a court may dismiss the claim without ever hearing the merits of it. The statute of limitations period is very strict and there are many different ways that the time period could be extended or shrunk. It is important to always guard against these time periods. While there are some set deadlines for birth injury cases in Oregon, always ask our Portland birth injury lawyers on what the time period or statute of limitations period is for your claim. There are too many exceptions to give a number here, and it must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What are the Common Steps of Screening and Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy?
There are three main ways to screen and monitor for cerebral palsy. This include through monitoring, screening, and medical evaluations. Each of these can be used to drive a family closer to a diagnosis which is important to begin treatment. Our Portland birth injury lawyer knows how important it is to screen, evaluate, and diagnosis any serious medical condition, especially cerebral palsy. These factors include the following:
Monitoring – this is when the child’s growth and development are tracked over time, usually at doctor checkups which are regular for the first year of life. This includes evaluating the milestones that a baby may have and charting them to compare to other normal progressions.
Screening – this is the process of giving short tests to see if a child has specific developmental delays, including motor or movement delays which are associated with cerebral palsy. This includes interviews or questionnaires of the parents, as well as specific tests to the baby. Screening is regular and normal, usually occurring at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months. Most motor movement issues are observable at 9 months, but also 18 months.
Medical Evaluations – if there are delays noted, it is important to begin to treat and evaluate them. This includes performing more medical tests and objective tests to determine the extent of damage. This includes also testing speech and other senses like hearing and vision. Sometimes there could be imaging studies performed for radical or serious delays. Other times testing such as MRIs, CT scans, EEGs, genetic testing, and other tests could be performed.
Are You Concerned About CP With Your Child? Our Portland Birth Injury Lawyer Can Discuss Screening and Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy With You
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.