Cerebral palsy refers to a series of neurological disorders inhibiting one’s control over body movements. It is not a progressive disease; it does not deteriorate with time but it is for life. Pregnancy, childbirth or the first few years after birth often lead to brain damage that this resulting condition – cerebral palsy. Here are some key points on the causes, symptoms, and legal rights related to cerebral palsy:
Causes of Cerebral Palsy:
- Prenatal Causes: Brain damage before birth from causes like maternal infections, genetic illnesses, or problems in brain development may lead to cerebral palsy.
- Perinatal Causes: For example, cerebral palsy develops due to brain damage suffered during birth processes – oxygen deprivation or trauma during delivery.
- Postnatal Causes: Other causes of cerebral palsy could be brain injuries that occur post-delivery such as head trauma or infections.
- Risk Factors: Some of the risks that increase chances for cerebral palsy are prematurity, low birth weight, multiple births (e.g., twins or triplets), and some materials’ health issues.
Legal Rights:
Individuals with cerebral palsy have legal rights to ensure they receive appropriate care, support, and accommodations:
- Education: In America, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides free and appropriate education for children who suffer from this disease. These could take the form of education for such persons, provision of therapy to them, and helping them receive necessary changes as needed.
- Rehabilitation Services: Rehabilitation services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are instrumental for individuals who have cerebral palsy to enhance their motor skills as well as general wellness.
- Discrimination: Acts, for example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 bar discrimination against persons with disabilities including those suffering from cerebral palsy in employment matters housing issues, and public services.
- Medical Care: Cerebral palsy patients have a right to proper medical care including seeing the right specialist who would address their needs adequately.
- Financial Support: Some individuals with cerebral palsy may be entitled to disability benefits in certain circumstances, which will offset their care and support costs.
Regular visits with legal and medical experts will enable us to comprehend better and address the cases of rights infringement among cerebral palsy patients.
If you have any of your loved ones diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and you want to fight for his/her legal rights, please contact Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm.