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Cerebral Palsy Law Blog 
A blog dedicated to victims of cerebral palsy due to medical negligence.
Post Frequency: 1.2/day Last Entry: November 20, 2009 at 00:37:45 Recent Entries: 411
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Reputable Hospital Held Accountable in Medical Malpractice Case
Posted on November 20, 2009According to recent reports, one of Shanghai's most reputable hospitals is now under much scrutiny regarding the disability and blindness of a young boy. A medical malpractice lawsuit has been filed against the hospital by the boy's parents for his cerebral palsy...
Medical Malpractice Suit Enters Second Week
Posted on November 17, 2009The parents of a little girl who was reportedly born with cerebral palsy as the result of medical malpractice during childbirth have filed a lawsuit against their doctor. The parents claim that the doctor is responsible for the irreversible injuries their daughter sustained and they are seeking compensation on behalf of their daughter, who is now seven years old and disabled...
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Posted on November 12, 2009You may already know that cerebral palsy affects thousands of newborns across America due to medical malpractice or natural causes. But you may be wondering how you would know if your child may seem healthy but is actually developing cerebral palsy in the first couple years of life...
UCP Honors Members
Posted on November 11, 2009Last month more than 120 people were reportedly in attendance for the 54th annual meeting of United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland. The meeting took place at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Joliet and for many proved to be the event of the year honoring those who contribute to the UCP and all those who are living with the disability...
CO Girl's CP Reversed with Stem Cells
Posted on November 10, 2009When Chloe Levine was born in a Colorao hospital she seemed to be a healthy, happy child with a life of opportunity and possbiilties ahead of her. However, by the time Chloe reached nine-months she was not at the same development level as her sister Shayla was at the same age...
UCP Joins With Circle K for a Good Cause
Posted on November 05, 2009United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona has reportedly teamed up with corporate partner in Circle K to help raise money for those living with cerebral palsy and other related disabilities. According to reports UCP has been the beneficiary of Circle K's community involvement for the past twenty-five years...
Newborns and Cerebral Palsy
Posted on November 02, 2009Every expecting mother worries about the health of their child during pregnancy and there's nothing more important to the majority of parents than having a healthy baby. However, due to certain circumstances, sometimes beyond our control and other times the result of medical malpractice, babies are born with brain injuries and other health complications that can lead to cerebral palsy and other disabilities...
Halloween Fun Run to Benefit Those with CP
Posted on October 29, 2009Runners and walkers throughout the Indiana State University Campus and surrounding neighborhoods are being encouraged to take part in a run to help raise money for those living with the disability cerebral palsy this Friday. This event to benefit those who are living with cerebral palsy, which can often be the result of medical malpractice and a birth injury, is being hosted by Phi Kappa Psi house at the Indiana State University...
Study Shows Medical Malpractice Suits Not Getting Enough Attention
Posted on October 29, 2009Recent reports claim that contrary to the assertions of those stating that the United States is in need for medical malpractice reform, the biggest crisis we may be facing as a country related to medical malpractice is not an epidemic of minor lawsuits...
CO Charter Schools Under Scrutiny
Posted on October 27, 2009Charter schools throughout the Denver area are currently being scrutinized for the way they cater (or don't) to children with disabilities like cerebral palsy. In many other charter schools throughout the country, Cal Crum, 8, wouldn't be permitted to sit in a normal second-grade classroom setting, to lear about geometric shapes with peers developing at a faster pace than he is...
UK Hospital Admits Blame for Birth Injury
Posted on October 27, 2009Recent reports from England claim that a hospital in Calderdale has admitted that they are at fault for the birth injury a little girl suffered at their facility. The little girl, Amelia Rayner who is now seven, reportedly was deprived of oxygen during birth and as a result is now living with brain damage and the disability known as cerebral palsy...
Kelly's Kidz Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on October 23, 2009According to six year old Maggie Hermann's mother, Kelly, her daughter's cerebral palsy has in no way slowed her down. 'She's just a normal little kid except that she's got cerebral palsy,' Kelly tells reporters. Maggie has been confined to a special wheelchair and is just like any other child full of energy and hope for the future...
Politicians Hold Health Care Meeting in NM
Posted on October 22, 2009According to recent reports House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, along with the CEO of Eastern Seals, recently met with children who are living with the disability, cerebral palsy. Eastern Seals is reportedly a non-profit organization that lends support to disabled youth...
New Device Gives Voice to Kids with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on October 20, 2009A new device reportedly enables children living with cerebral palsy to communicate through voice recognition. At times, due to their disability, those with cerebral palsy are unable to speak properly. This can make it difficult to communicate with those around them...
Sidewalk Project to Help the Disabled
Posted on October 17, 2009For those living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities getting around town can be far more frustrating and difficult than it is to the average person. One person who experiences trouble each day while out and about is Ben McMullan. When Ben, who is living with cerebral palsy, comes to a curb he can't simply step down for it...
Teenage Girl Receives Millions in Medical Malpractice Case
Posted on October 15, 2009A teenage girl who was born with cerebral palsy was recently awarded a multi-million dollar settlement in the lawsuit filed by her family against a Massachusetts hospital. The girl was reportedly the victim of medical malpractice and suffered from life-altering injuries during her birth at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston...
Triathlete Lends a Helping Hand to CP Victim
Posted on October 13, 2009Two Michigan residents, who have led seemingly opposite lives, have grown to build a close bond and serve as an inspiration to many. The two strangers met by chance and ever since have a hard time spending time a part. Greg Simony, 30, was once an alcoholic who was overweight...
Settlement Reached in UCD Medical Malpractice Case
Posted on October 12, 2009A settlement was recently reached in a lawsuit which was filed against the UC Davis Medical Center. The suit was filed by the family of a child who was born with brain injuries and cerebral palsy. The family of the boy blames the hospital for their son's injuries and altered living circumstances and according to the recent verdict, a Superior Court judge in Sacramento also found the hospital to be at fault...
Former Hospital Owes $43.5M in Medical Malpractice Case
Posted on October 10, 2009A girl who was born with cerebral palsy as the result of medical malpractice was recently awarded $43.5 million by the former hospital where she was born. The settlement is believed to be the largest personal injury lawsuit in the history of the Capital Region...
Makers of Botox File Suit Against FDA
Posted on October 09, 2009The makers of Botox, Allergan Inc., recently filed a lawsuit against the FDA. The lawsuit is in light of the FDA's regulations that ban drug companies, like Allergan, from marketing drugs for uses that haven't been approved as safe according to the FDA...
Life Changing Surgery for Cerebral Palsy Victim
Posted on October 07, 2009A revolutionary surgery is now being performed at the St. Louis Children's Hospital to help children who are suffering from cerebral palsy and disability. Cerebral palsy can be a life altering disability that often affects children from birth. Whether due to medical malpractice or other health complications, infants can be born with cerebral palsy prohibiting them from living normal lives...
Cerebral Palsy Risk Linked to Early Births
Posted on October 06, 2009According to recent reports, and estimated one in ten of the babies in the world are born premature. As a result, many of them develop disabilities like cerebral palsy and about one million newborns die each year. This new information has been released to the public by the March of Dimes...
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Posted on October 01, 2009Each year thousands of innocent people are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. However, many may not be familair with this dosability that affects so many and has been the subject of so many medical malpractice lawsuits in the United States. The term "cerebral palsy" can actually be used to refer to a number of neurological disorders...
New Research Shows the Cold Could Help Infants with CP
Posted on October 01, 2009New research conducted by Dr. Denis Azzopardi from the Division of Clinical Sciences and Medical Research based at Imperial College in London could potentially help future babies born with cerebral palsy. According to the new research, newborns who are deprived of oxygen during labor have a much lower risk of brain damage if they are immediately given mild hypothermia...
Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Boy with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on September 29, 2009Recent reports state that a Chesapeake woman recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of the rights of her son who is living with cerebral palsy. The lawsuit has been filed against the Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities and claims that the woman's disabled son's civil rights were violated while he was a student at Open Door School...
TheraSuit Helps Child with Cerebral Palsy Move
Posted on September 29, 2009A revolutionary device has recently been credited for helping those who have received a cerebral palsy diagnosis be better able to walk and move. Matthew Eckley reportedly walked on a treadmill recently. He also successfully did 45 sit-ups and even touched his toes to loosen up his hamstrings...
Child Has Stroke and Receives Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Posted on September 25, 2009When Jessica Spear gave birth to her son Brendon Spear she believed that aside from some abnormal behavior from time to time after being born he was a normal, healthy child. However, only weeks after his birth she reports that he was unable to turn his head to the right...
NCIA Ruling Stands in Way of Medical Malpractice Suit
Posted on September 23, 2009An appeals court ruling that happened earlier this month may greatly broaden the number of brain injuries that can be covered by a 'no fault' insurance fund for birth-related injuries in the future. In its ruling the court claimed neurological injuries such as cerebral palsy that 'manifest at a later date', can also be compensated by the fund...
Newborns With Smaller Heads at Risk for Cerebral Palsy
Posted on September 23, 2009According to recent reports, more than 25,000 children are born each year in the United States with microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition in which the circumference of the head at birth is smaller than that of 97 percent of children when just born...
Patient with Cerebral Palsy Victimized
Posted on September 21, 2009The Indiana Department of Health and Human Services recently ruled that found a local nursing home in Jeffersonville is deficient in seven categories. The ruling comes in light of an alleged sexual assault that occurred against a woman living at the home with cerebral palsy last March...
New Robotic Therapy Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on September 19, 2009Cerebral palsy is a disability that affects an estimated 8,000 babies each year. This neurological condition can have a lifelong impact on the movement and coordination of the body. Due to the nature of this disability and its affect on the brain and muscles, many children who live with cerebral palsy require a wheelchair or walker to move around...
Man With Cerebral Palsy Serves as Inspiration
Posted on September 17, 2009D.J. Gregory born 10 weeks premature with underdeveloped lungs. During the time he spent in the neonatal intensive care unit, he was given too much oxygen, and as a result he developed cerebral palsy. The final diagnoses of the disability was given to his parents at the age of two...
Recycled Goods Used for Therapy
Posted on August 14, 2009Making crafts has long been used by occupational therapists to help patients with mental and physical disabilities. Well what better way to create various objects through therapy than with various recycled goods? At the recycling therapist you can find different ways to be creative with your patients with the use of recycled materials...
Hippotherapy Helps Treat the Disabled
Posted on August 01, 2009Hippotherapy is a unique treatment that can be used to help both children and adults with a variety of physical, emotional, and communication disabilities. This technique uses the movement of the horse to help with neurological function and sensory processing for those with cerebral palsy, autism, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries and more...
Therapies to Treat Cerebral Palsy
Posted on July 27, 2009Although no cure for cerebral palsy has been found yet, there are various treatments and different therapies that can help improve the lives of those living with the disability. Two forms of therapy that have been proven to help patients with cerebral palsy are hippotherapy and creating crafts...
Resources for Cerebral Palsy Caregivers
Posted on July 23, 2009Parents and others who care for a cerebral palsy child often forget to take care of themselves. However, it's important for caregivers to care for their own well-being – to receive for themselves the care, support, and encouragement they so selflessly give to their child...
Living with Cerebral Palsy-Related Paralysis?
Posted on July 14, 2009Nearly six million Americans are currently living with paralysis, and about 7% of those cases of paralysis are due to cerebral palsy. That's approximately 412,000 people across the U.S., according to recent research by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation...
What's New in Disability Activism?
Posted on July 13, 2009If you're the parent of a cerebral palsy child or a child with disability, it's a good idea to stay up-to-date on legislative decisions that may affect your child's education, health care, and future in general. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a great starting point to find out what's being done for disability rights – and it's a great starting point for becoming an activist for your child...
Settlement Reached in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
Posted on July 11, 2009A settlement agreement was reached in a cerebral palsy lawsuit right as the jury was deliberating a verdict after an intense four-week trial. The terms of the settlement are confidential, but medical attorneys for the young boy at the center of the case and his family said that the dispute has been 'resolved...
Wheelchair of the Future
Posted on July 09, 2009At the Brain Science Institute Toyota Collaboration Center (BTCC) in Japan, researchers have developed a cutting-edge technology that uses brain waves to control wheelchair motion. The technology relies on what's called a brain machine interface (BMI), and this allows individuals with certain disabilities (including some types of cerebral palsy) to interact with their world by way of brain signals...
Registration Open for 63rd Annual Meeting of the AACPDM
Posted on July 07, 2009The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) will be holding its 63rd annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona in September. The meeting is open to healthcare professionals, special education teachers, and anyone else who is interested or involved in the care of a cerebral palsy child...
Promising Treatment for Rare Cerebral Palsy Type
Posted on July 06, 2009Dystonia-choreoathetosis affects approximately 10 percent of all cerebral palsy patients and it is notoriously difficult to treat. However, a new study by French researchers shows promise for treating this form of cerebral palsy. Using what is known as bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation (BP-DBS), researchers were able to improve motor symptoms in 8 out of 13 cerebral palsy patients who participated in the trial...
Debate over Magnesium Sulfate for Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Posted on July 04, 2009Evidence has shown that magnesium sulfate – a common compound found in Epsom salt, for example – reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm babies. However, there is still some debate as to whether magnesium sulfate should be administered for this purpose...
Today Show to Feature Story on Robotics for Cerebral Palsy
Posted on July 02, 2009On Thursday, July 2nd, the Today Show will feature a story on the robotics research being conducted to improve the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy. For the segment, the show visited the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the Blythedale Children's Hospital...
Coalition Fights for Accessible Technology
Posted on June 29, 2009Laws intended to make technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities like cerebral palsy, hearing problems and paralysis, for example, are rapidly being outdated because of the rate at which technological advances are made. To make sure legislative and regulatory safeguards keep pace, a coalition of more than 230 organizations was founded...
AHRQ Releases Birth Injury Data
Posted on June 27, 2009The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently released new data on the rate of birth injury in the United States and found that overall the numbers are declining. However, there were still almost 158,000 preventable injuries to mothers and their newborns in 2006 (the most recent year data was available)...
Mental Health and the Cerebral Palsy Child
Posted on June 26, 2009Nearly 14 percent of children in America have some kind of special health care needs, including those who are affected by cerebral palsy. Though it is not often talked about, kids with cerebral palsy symptoms and other special needs sometimes suffer from mental health problems in addition to their physical impairments...
RESNA Annual Conference This Week!
Posted on June 25, 2009From June 23rd through the 27th in New Orleans, RESNA (the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) will be holding its annual conference. The conference is open to anyone interested in issues related to assistive technology (AT) and disability, and it's a great opportunity for parents of cerebral palsy children to learn more about the latest advances in this field...
Conference Report Details Developments in CP Care
Posted on June 24, 2009Healthcare options for children and adults with cerebral palsy are always evolving, and a new report details some more recent developments. The report, which primarily focuses on the use of orthotics (devices intended to support or correct musculoskeletal deformities), is a helpful resource for parents and others looking into cerebral palsy health services...
5 Tips for Advocating for Your Cerebral Palsy Child
Posted on June 22, 2009You don't have to feel helpless if you are the parent of a cerebral palsy child. You are your child's greatest advocate and though it may not always seem to be the case, your voice does matter. Below are five tips on how to be the most effective advocate for your child: 1...
Honda Introduces Mobility Devices
Posted on June 19, 2009In April, Honda introduced two walking devices designed to assist people with weakened leg muscles and other mobility challenges. Though the devices are still in the testing phase, they seem to hold promise for individuals whose mobility is impaired by cerebral palsy symptoms...
Exceptional Parent Magazine Goes Digital
Posted on June 17, 2009Exceptional Parent (EP) magazine is a great resource for parents of children with cerebral palsy or other special needs, and it's even better now that it's gone digital. The first issue is complimentary and is now available online. Though a limited number of hardcopy magazines will still be printed, the online version features some special benefits including: Streaming audio/video Virtual page-turning, so it's like flipping through a hardcopy magazine Bookmarking capabilities High quality images with zoom function No download wait times Keyword search User interface customization Earth friendly The inaugural issue contains articles sports, disability living, travel and much more...
Disability Progress in the White House
Posted on June 16, 2009It has been several months since President Barack Obama took office, and there have been a number of changes in disability policy since that time. Perhaps one of the most significant changes has been the repeal of Bush Administration restrictions on stem cell research...
Improving Cerebral Palsy Symptoms with Lokomat Therapy
Posted on June 15, 2009Intensive locomotion therapy is a relatively new area of research in treating cerebral palsy symptoms in children, and clinical studies involving the Pediatric Lokomat® have so far shown positive results. What is the Pediatric Lokomat? The Pediatric Lokomat is essentially a robotic treadmill training device...
Social Networking Site for Cerebral Palsy Community Launched
Posted on June 12, 2009Social networking – everybody's doing it, and there are numerous outlets for individuals to make meaningful connections. Among the more common social networking sites are Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. But now there is a site specifically dedicated to those whose lives are in some way impacted by cerebral palsy, and it's aptly called Cerebral Palsy Social...
Looking for a Cerebral Palsy Doctor?
Posted on June 09, 2009Sometimes one of the greatest challenges of caring for a special needs child is finding the right team of medical professionals. However, there are a number of resources available to help parents of cerebral palsy children find the right doctors for their special needs...
$4 Million Awarded in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
Posted on June 08, 2009Last week, a Frederick County jury found two doctors responsible for Ryan Dineen's cerebral palsy and awarded the boy and his mother, Suzette Dineen, $4 million in damages. The award is thought to be the highest awarded for medical malpractice in the county...
The Need for Long-term Care Reform
Posted on June 07, 2009Last month, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services wrote a Letter to the Editor entitled 'Taking Care of Our Caregivers.' The letter appeared in the Washington Post and addressed the current challenge facing the caregiving community and those they serve...
Summer is the Perfect Time for Aquatic Therapy
Posted on June 05, 2009Now that the weather is warming up, it's the perfect time to think about aquatic therapy. There are many benefits to aquatic therapy for people of all ages and abilities, but it is particularly beneficial for helping children manage their cerebral palsy symptoms in a fun and active way...
Disability Association Encouraged by Sotomayor Nomination
Posted on June 02, 2009The recent nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court has been met with some optimism by the disability community, which has long lacked a consistent advocate for their right in the nation's highest court. In a statement by the American Association of People with Disabilities, President and CEO Andrew J...
Taking Care of Incarcerated Moms & Their Newborns
Posted on June 01, 2009An issue that doesn't receive a lot of attention in the medical and legal communities (but should) is the treatment of women who are incarcerated while pregnant. Proper care of these women during their pregnancy and delivery is crucial to the health of both the mother and her newborn child...
Robot Therapy Shows Promise for Improving CP Symptoms
Posted on May 30, 2009Engineers at MIT are finding that robot-based therapy can aid limb movement in children affected by cerebral palsy symptoms. Previous research has focused on how robotics can assist adults who have suffered stroke, but scientist Hermano Igo Krebs and colleagues wanted to test the therapy on children, whose brains are more impressionable...
Babies Can Have Strokes Too
Posted on May 26, 2009May is National Stroke Awareness Month and this is a perfect time to learn more about the risk of stroke in children and babies. According to the National Stroke Association, strokes in kids are rare (3 cases per 100,000 children each year) but are slightly more common in children under 2...
Negligent Doctor Tries to Blame Parents
Posted on May 24, 2009In the early 1980s, Dr. Peter Rosi was criminally prosecuted in Alaska on felony charges of negligent homicide. The case involved the death of a newborn he delivered who had failed to receive the medical attention he needed in a timely manner. Though acquitted, Rosi was found by the State Medical Board to have shown 'professional incompetence' and to have 'committed a serious error in judgment...
Erb's Palsy vs. Cerebral Palsy
Posted on May 22, 2009Palsy is a term that generally refers to paralysis of some sort. There are several different types of palsy, two of which are sometimes caused by medical malpractice. These two types of palsy are cerebral palsy and Erb's palsy. What is cerebral palsy? Thousands of babies are born each year with cerebral palsy, which is actually not a single condition but rather a group of disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination...
No Barriers Festival Next Month!
Posted on May 20, 2009From June 4th through June 7th, people from all across the country will converge on Miami, Florida to participate in the No Barriers Festival – an event that seeks to inspire individuals to overcome their personal challenges. Who's Invited? Everyone is welcome to participate in the festival...
Ob-Gyn Group Addresses Patient Safety
Posted on May 16, 2009Medical errors made during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-natal care can cause brain damage to the infant and lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy. However, the medical community has been slow to make changes toward reducing the potential for mistakes...
Special Park for Special Kids to Open This Fall
Posted on May 14, 2009All children need and deserve to play, but this is not always easy for the special needs child. Children with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities often feel like outsiders, watching other kids play but not being able to participate themselves. However, a new park seeks to change this dynamic...
Folic Acid Cuts Risk of Premature Birth
Posted on May 14, 2009Folic acid has long been known to cut the risk of brain and spinal cord defects when taken as a supplement during pregnancy. Now it's also being linked to a significantly reduced risk of premature delivery. Premature birth is one of the greatest risk factors for conditions such as cerebral palsy and mental retardation...
Does Your Child's Brace Fit Properly?
Posted on May 13, 2009Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are types of braces commonly used to treat certain cerebral palsy symptoms – for instance, AFOs may be used to support weak limbs or they may be used to hold contracted muscles in a normal position. Fit is everything when it comes to AFOs...
Education News for the Cerebral Palsy Community
Posted on May 08, 2009It's that time of year when parents are looking at education opportunities, alternatives and colleges for their cerebral palsy child. Education for the disability community has been in the news quite a bit recently, and we've come across a few articles we'd like to share...
University of New Hampshire to Keep Therapeutic Riding Program Open
Posted on May 07, 2009Just days after announcing the closing of a therapeutic horse riding program at the University of New Hampshire that serves children affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities, the dean of the school's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture said the program would remain open pending further review...
Cerebral Palsy Symptom Eased with Deep Brain Stimulation
Posted on May 06, 2009Deep brain stimulation appears to ease a common cerebral palsy symptom in young patients, according to a small-scale analysis of patients treated at Cook Children's Hospital in Texas. The symptom, known as dystonia, is characterized by uncontrollable and sometimes painful muscle contractions...
Planning a Vacation with Your Cerebral Palsy Child
Posted on May 04, 2009With summer on the horizon, many families are planning for a vacation. For families with a cerebral palsy child, there are special considerations that need to be made. Below are some things you should consider when planning your trip: Special hotel or air travel accommodations – For instance, if your child is in a wheelchair, you'll probably want a room on the first floor of a hotel...
Botox Warning Issued for Treating CP Symptoms in Children
Posted on May 02, 2009Food and Drug Administration officials are warning about potentially fatal side effects associated with the use of Botox for treating muscle spasticity, particularly in children with this cerebral palsy symptom. Children with spastic cerebral palsy are sometimes treated with Botox, though the drug is not approved in the U...
How Robotics Is Changing the Future of Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Posted on May 01, 2009Researchers are now looking into robotics as a way to improve muscle movement and coordination in children with cerebral palsy. This area of research is relatively new, but already great strides have been made. In fact, research in this area has been so promising that Riley Hospital in Indianapolis will soon be home to the Robotics Clinical Center for Children with Cerebral Palsy...
What You Missed: Cerebral Palsy Conference Review
Posted on April 29, 2009This year's United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Annual Conference – Growing an Agile Potent Network – was held in San Francisco last weekend. In case you weren't able to make it, UCP is helping you to catch up on what you missed. The group's blog (UCPeople...
Apple's Big Mistake: The 'Baby Shaker' Application
Posted on April 25, 2009There has been an uproar surrounding the 'Baby Shaker' application on the new Apple iPhone and rightfully so. The 99 cent application, which was removed from Apple's online store amid the controversy, allowed users to virtually shake a crying baby into silence – and death...
Documentary Film Takes New Look at Disability
Posted on April 24, 2009The documentary film Shooting Beauty: Everyone Deserves a Shot takes a refreshing perspective on what it's like to live with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The film follows aspiring fashion photographer, Courtney Bent, who discovers a new world when she starts teaching people with disabilities about her craft...
Cerebral Palsy Is a Leading Cause of Paralysis
Posted on April 22, 2009Cerebral palsy is the fourth leading cause of paralysis in the United States, according to a new report by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The report estimated that about 412,000 of the more than five million cases of paralysis in the U.S. are due to cerebral palsy...
New Software Predicts Risk of Birth Injury
Posted on April 19, 2009Shoulder dystocia refers to a medical complication that occurs when the baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery. When not handled properly, shoulder dystocia can result in serious injuries such as brachial plexus palsy, bone fractures and lacerations, among other things...
Interested in Summer Camp for Your Cerebral Palsy Child?
Posted on April 15, 2009Summertime is approaching, and many parents are considering camp opportunities for their children. There are camps across the country that cater their programs to children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Below are a few resources that can help you in your search to find the best summer camp for your child: Parenting Special Needs article on summer camps – provides detailed descriptions of various camps from Florida to Texas and California UCP Listing of Summer Camps – offers comprehensive camp guides as well as information on individual camps Very Special Camps – a website devoted to providing information on camps and programs for people with special needs...
Overcoming Cerebral Palsy Symptoms: Check out an Abilities Expo near You
Posted on April 14, 2009Abilities Expo is a vast tradeshow geared at improving the lives of people with disabilities and those who care for them. For individuals with mild to severe cerebral palsy symptoms, the show offers a peek at some of the latest cutting-edge technology as well as seminars and workshops that address a variety of disability issues...
Keeping Your Cerebral Palsy Child Safe in the Car
Posted on April 11, 2009Children with cerebral palsy sometimes require special accommodations, and many parents wonder how they can accommodate their child in the car. A new blog post by United Cerebral Palsy addresses this issue and provides a number of helpful resources, including: The American Academy of Pediatrics The Automotive Safety Program Easter Seals/Goodwill of Central Ohio Go to the UCP blog, or learn more about Cerebral Palsy by checking out our ‘What is Cerebral Palsy' page...
Botox: Cerebral Palsy Treatment for Hip Dislocation?
Posted on April 10, 2009Botox is sometimes used to reduce muscle spasticity, a rather common cerebral palsy symptom. But research suggests that it may also help reduce the risk of hip dislocation, which is a problem in some children with cerebral palsy. Traditionally braces have been used to prevent hip dislocation, but one study compared the use of braces to the use of Botox injections in 16 patients between 9 months and 4 years of age...
Texas Hospital Uses Cooling Blankets to Prevent Brain Damage
Posted on April 08, 2009Lack of adequate oxygen at birth affects approximately 2 to 4 in every 1,000 babies born in the United States, and it can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy and other serious injuries to the newborn. To reduce the risk of death or disability in these infants, St...
Online Seminar to Focus on Dealing with a Seizure Emergency
Posted on April 05, 2009Seizures often affect children with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy. If your child has this cerebral palsy symptom, you might be interested in a live online seminar taking place on May 19th from 7:00-9:00 PM EDT. The seminar will discuss developing a seizure readiness plan, among other things, and is geared toward parents, teachers, nurses, caregivers, emergency responders and anyone else who works with children affected by seizure disorders...
What Parents Should Know about Developmental Milestones
Posted on April 04, 2009It's true that all children develop differently, but a number of important milestones help doctors and parents gauge the overall progress of a child's motor, cognitive and language development. For instance, most babies start cooing by 3 months of age and can roll over by 6 months...
Vision Loss in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on April 03, 2009According to My Child without Limits, nearly two-thirds of children with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation and epilepsy also suffer from vision loss. The more severe the visual impairment, the more likely are additional health complications and delayed learning...
Will Your Child's Brachial Plexus Injury Benefit from Surgery?
Posted on April 01, 2009Not necessarily — a recent review of medical literature suggests that some infants born with an obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI) fall in a 'gray zone,' where it's not clear whether surgery is beneficial. According to the researchers, approximately half of children they evaluated who fell within this gray zone fully recovered without surgery...
Jury Awards $4 Million in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
Posted on March 31, 2009Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida must pay $4 million in damages for injuries suffered by Jordan Preshong Brown during birth more than 11 years ago. The money from the 'staunchly defended' case will help to ensure that Jordan's future needs are met, said the family's medical attorney...
Senate: March 25, 2009 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
Posted on March 29, 2009On March 24th, the United States Senate designated March 25, 2009 as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Support for the measure was led by Senator Arlen Specter. Now is a great time to celebrate by learning more about cerebral palsy symptoms. You may also wish you check out the website for the United Cerebral Palsy affiliate in your area to find out ways to raise awareness...
Resource Find: Forms for Staying Organized
Posted on March 24, 2009Staying organized is one of the greatest challenges caregivers and parents of special needs children face. Recently, one of our medical attorneys came across a great resource that can help families stay organized – a series of forms developed by United Cerebral Palsy that can be used for anything from doctor's visits to notes for the babysitter...
5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Cerebral Palsy
Posted on March 23, 2009Your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy – the first and most obvious question you want to ask your doctor is 'what is cerebral palsy?' The answer is rather broad, considering that cerebral palsy is a single term used to define a group of movement disorders...
UCP Supports Inclusive Home Design Act
Posted on March 22, 2009The national disability advocacy organization United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is one of more than 20 groups coming together to support the much needed Inclusive Home Design Act. The Act is designed to increase accessibility in homes built with federal assistance...
Drugs Used for CP Symptom Linked to Heart Risk
Posted on March 20, 2009One of the conditions often associated with cerebral palsy is seizures. Seizures are commonly prevented using one of two medications, both of which are classified as anticonvulsants and both of which have recently been linked to heart risks: phenytoin (Dilantin®) or carbamazepine (Tegetrol® and Carbatrol®)...
When Is It Too Late To Sue for a Birth Injury?
Posted on March 19, 2009When is it too late to sue for a birth injury? – This is a question being debated in a case in the United Kingdom. The case involves a man, now 34, who is seeking damages for injuries suffered due to oxygen deprivation at birth. In the U.K., individuals may sue for damages up until the age of 21 and this particular case is unique in that the man is filing his case well beyond the legal time limit...
Article Outlines Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Posted on March 17, 2009The son of British opposition leader David Cameron recently died. The 6-year-old boy had cerebral palsy and a rare seizure disorder. His death has prompted many questions about cerebral palsy symptoms and causes, and the Associated Press published an article outlining the some basic information about the condition...
Coming to Terms with a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Posted on March 16, 2009It's natural for parents to feel a range of emotions when their child is diagnosed with a developmental disability like cerebral palsy, particularly in cases where the disability could have been prevented with proper medical care. Dealing with these emotions is not always easy, and many parents find they could use a little help...
What is Erbs Palsy?
Posted on March 11, 2009It's a term you may have heard, but what exactly is Erbs palsy? Put simply, it is a birth injury that causes damage to an infant's brachial plexus, the group of nerves that influence the fingers, hands and arms. It affects one in every 1,000 to 2,000 babies, and given the number of babies born every day in the U...
Disability Funding a Primary Focus of Coming Policy Seminar
Posted on March 10, 2009Financial worries are compounding for many families right now, some of whom have experienced job losses, loss of health insurance and even the threat of foreclosure. Among those hardest hit by the current economic recession are families caring for a child with cerebral palsy or other disability...
Laborists: A New Medical Specialty?
Posted on March 09, 2009Obstetrics has one of the highest rates of malpractice of all medical specialties, and medical malpractice in this field can cause cerebral palsy and other lifelong or life-threatening conditions. Reducing the long hours obstetricians work may help to minimize the margin for error -- hence, the rise of laborists...
Technology and Disability Conference Is Approaching
Posted on March 08, 2009California State University Northridge (CSUN) is holding its 24th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference from March 16th-21st in Los Angeles. This year's conference will focus on trends in assistive technology (AT) and will feature Keynote Speaker Anthony Coelho, the former U...
Celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
Posted on March 07, 2009Did you know that March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month? You can celebrate by raising awareness in your local community. There are various ways you can spread the word about cerebral palsy, including: Coordinating outreach events Submitting letters to the editors of local publications Blogging about the condition In addition, you can contact your local United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) affiliate to find out when and where any special events are being held...
Study: New Compounds May Reduce Cerebral Palsy Risk
Posted on February 25, 2009Researchers at Northwestern University have made a possible breakthrough in cerebral palsy prevention—they say two new compounds they developed may be effective in preventing the condition, which affects one to two out of every 1,000 babies born each year in the United States...
5th Annual CP Conference Coming Up in St. Louis
Posted on February 24, 2009The Pediatric Neurology Cerebral Palsy Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine are presenting the 5th Annual Cerebral Palsy Conference: Building the Road to Independence on March 27-28, 2009. It promises to be a great conference for parents to attend, featuring talks a wide variety of topics such as: Epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy The safety and efficacy of Botox treatment Orthopedic management Vision problems associated with cerebral palsy Selective dorsal rhizotomy Intrathecal baclofen pumps Individualized therapeutic strategies Creative therapy for the hemiplegic hand Sports and adaptive physical education Martial arts Primary care issues for cerebral palsy patients In addition, there will be question and answer sessions each day, a children’s panel , a teen panel, and a dance performance...
Want to Know More about Tissue Banking for Cerebral Palsy?
Posted on February 23, 2009The Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation has created a new fact sheet on the topic of “Brain and Tissue Banking for Cerebral Palsy Research.” The sheet provides a brief summary of what tissue banks are and why they’re important for research into developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy...
TIME Features Article on Cesarean Sections and VBAC
Posted on February 22, 2009There is much debate regarding the high number of Cesarean sections performed in the United States each year, particularly because it’s a major surgery that is increasingly chosen out of convenience rather than necessity. Once a woman has a C-section, she is usually forced to have the procedure for subsequent pregnancies because of the risks associated with what is known as VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section)...
Learn More about Children's Health Insurance Program
Posted on February 21, 2009Shortly after Barack Obama was sworn in as President, he signed into law the State Children’s Health Insurance Program – commonly referred to as SCHIP. The bill, which was first enacted in 1997, ensures that children receive the healthcare coverage they need when their families: Don’t make enough money to afford private insurance, but Make too much to qualify for Medicaid...
Research Findings Offer Identifiable Cerebral Palsy Risk Factor
Posted on February 19, 2009The findings of a new study to be presented at the Third International Cerebral Palsy summit this week show that infections in the mother during pregnancy increase the risk of cerebral palsy – in some cases by as much as sixfold. While cerebral palsy may be caused by medical negligence, most causes of the condition remain unknown...
Harnessing the Power of the Internet for Special Needs Kids
Posted on February 16, 2009Our medical lawyers are always on the lookout for great new resources to share with parents of kids affected by cerebral palsy, and we recently came across a website called Parlerai. The site was created last year by the parents of a young girl with special needs, and its aim is to improve communication and collaboration among caregivers...
Caregivers Often Don't Get Relief They Need
Posted on February 14, 2009Caring for a child with cerebral palsy or other special needs condition isn’t always easy, and often requires the use of complex technology and the management of multiple medications. Given the demands they generally face on a day-to-day basis, it is not uncommon for caregivers to neglect themselves...
What Is Cerebral Palsy? - New Podcast Provides Answers
Posted on February 12, 2009If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it’s likely you have lots of questions – the first of which is undoubtedly “what is cerebral palsy?” There are lots of great resources on the Web to help you answer this question, including a new podcast on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website...
International Cerebral Palsy Conference Next Week
Posted on February 11, 2009From February 18th – 21st, renowned researchers from around the world will gather in Sydney, Australia for the largest cerebral palsy convention to date: The 3rd International Cerebral Palsy Conference. The event, which will feature experts from various disciplines, seeks to promote collaboration among specialists for the advancement of cerebral palsy treatments...
Illinois Legislation Targets Disability Treatment & Therapy
Posted on February 10, 2009If passed, pending legislation in Illinois will require insurance companies to cover treatment costs for children with cerebral palsy, autism and other physical disabilities. The new governor has not said whether he will approve the bill, which could affect tens of thousands of children across the state...
Medical Negligence in Birth of Octuplets?
Posted on February 09, 2009Fertility experts, bioethicists and medical attorneys are speaking out against the doctors responsible for the octuplets recently born to a single woman in her 30s – One expert called it a “medical catastrophe” and another referred to it as professionally negligent...
Pica: What Do You Know about This Cerebral Palsy Symptom?
Posted on February 06, 2009Pica occurs in some kids as a cerebral palsy symptom and is characterized by the persistent eating of non-food substances such as dirt, stones, paint or paper. The condition is often a distressing one for parents and caregivers, who necessarily worry about the health effects of such behavior...
Informing Your Child's School of Brachial Plexus Injury
Posted on February 05, 2009Does your child’s school have adequate information regarding his/her brachial plexus injury? Do the teachers and administrators know which arm is affected, what activities your child should avoid and what activities he/she might need help with? To help parents provide their child’s school with the information they need, the Brachial Plexus Palsy Foundation has created a form which parents can fill out and give to teachers, nurses, therapists and anyone else involved in the child’s daily life...
Cerebral Palsy: Activism & Public Policy
Posted on February 04, 2009There are perhaps no greater advocates for children who have received a cerebral palsy diagnosis than their parents. Two significant ways parents can help their children are through: Activism – raising disability and CP awareness; and Public policy – understanding how it affects children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy and advocating for change where needed...
Study Shows Braces Help Reduce Symptoms of Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Posted on February 02, 2009The use of orthotic devices such as braces have been shown to improve cerebral palsy symptoms in children with diplegia, but little evidence shows whether certain braces are better than others. That’s why researchers decided to develop a study comparing the effectiveness of two different types of braces: hinged vs...
Recognizing the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Posted on February 01, 2009Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder which affects muscle tone, motor skills and movement, and can lead to learning disabilities as well as difficulty with hearing, vision, and speech. The disorder is most often caused by a brain injury sustained before or during childbirth, and can quite often be attributed to medical malpractice...
Answering the Question 'What Is Cerebral Palsy?'
Posted on January 30, 2009There is a common misconception that cerebral palsy is a single disorder, but it’s actually a group of disorders. Understanding exactly what cerebral palsy is – the different types and their symptoms – can help families to better help their loved ones...
Managing CP Symptoms with Holistic Therapies
Posted on January 29, 2009Many families are familiar with the traditional treatments used to manage cerebral palsy symptoms, such as surgery, medication and physical therapy. However, some families are turning to holistic therapies to help alleviate the symptoms their child experiences...
What You Should Know about C-Sections
Posted on January 27, 2009Cesarean section (c-section) is an increasingly common surgical procedure used to deliver babies. Though sometimes medically necessary, it is not a procedure without risks. In fact, c-sections performed too early can be a risk factor for cerebral palsy...
Author James Patterson Makes Unique Donation for CP Gala
Posted on January 26, 2009Best-selling author James Patterson held an eBay auction accepting bids to name a character in an upcoming novel. Proceeds from the auction will go to support the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation, which is holding a gala event on March 1st...
Interested in Learning More about CP Clinical Trials?
Posted on January 25, 2009Clinical trials represent just one cerebral palsy treatment option, and participating in a clinical trial isn’t for everyone. However, for those who’d like to learn more about clinical trials, we came across this great article that discusses: What a clinical trial is Who should participate in a clinical trial Where clinical trials are conducted and by whom The phases and design of a clinical trial Protections for participants The article, written by Dr...
Is Assistive Technology Out of Your Financial Reach?
Posted on January 23, 2009Given the tremendous impact assistive technology can have on the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy, it’s unfortunate that the devices are often out of reach financially for many families. One cerebral palsy resource families may want to look into is the Bellows Fund...
Annual UCP Conference in April
Posted on January 21, 2009United Cerebral Palsy, a national cerebral palsy association, has its annual conference coming up in April. This year’s conference theme is “Growing an Agile Potent Network: Connect. Collaborate. Evolve.” – continuing the organization’s emphasis on Life without Limits...
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms: Where to Look for information
Posted on January 20, 2009Was wandering around the net and found the following Cerebral Palsy Symptoms articles. Most are from blogs with some personal experience with brain injury or cerebral palsy. What is cerebral palsy? - The term ‘cerebral palsy’ taken literally, is actually a complete misnomer...
Teen Overcomes Cerebral Palsy Symptoms by Running
Posted on January 18, 2009Eighteen year old Andy Sullman has cerebral palsy, but you wouldn’t know it to see him running. For nearly a year, he’s been training to run a marathon. Running has helped him overcome his cerebral palsy symptoms – something he was unable to do with traditional treatments like physical therapy...
Support United Brachial Plexus Network on Facebook
Posted on January 17, 2009If brachial plexus awareness is a cause you care about, you can now show your support and raise awareness on Facebook. The United Brachial Plexus Network is one of many causes Facebook users can support, and the group currently has about 200 members. Facebook users who join the cause can participate in discussions, connect with others who are trying to raise awareness, follow UBPN fundraising goals, and even make donations...
$6.5M Settlement Reached in Cerebral Palsy Case
Posted on January 15, 2009A $6.5 million settlement was recently reached in Aurora, Illinois regarding the case of a seven-year-old boy who now has cerebral palsy due to a supposed accident at a local hospital. The incident occurred at the Provena Mercy Medical Center where the boy endured a brain injury that has now altered his life...
Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Filed in St. Louis
Posted on January 13, 2009Recent reports claim that a woman in St. Louis recently took legal action for her daughter’s cerebral palsy. The little girl was reportedly born with the condition, which can be life-altering, and her mother believes that it is the result of a doctor’s negligence...
Trouble Keeping Your Medical Records Organized?
Posted on January 12, 2009Maintaining accurate medical records on your child is a must. However, record keeping tends to become more difficult when the child has a condition such as cerebral palsy. This is because children with special needs spend more time at the doctor’s office and often see multiple specialists...
Illinois Mom Files Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
Posted on January 11, 2009Haley Overmeyer has cerebral palsy – a condition her mother alleges was caused by negligent medical care. Her mother, Linda, recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor who delivered Haley and the hospital where she was born in January 2005...
Teen with Spastic CP Started His Own Foundation
Posted on January 08, 2009Gary Lynn is no ordinary teenager. At 16 years old, he has his own foundation dedicated to improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy through fundraising, education and research. An avid sports fan from Houston, Texas, Gary knows firsthand the challenges involved in living with disability...
Cerebral Palsy Resource Find: Informational Videos
Posted on January 07, 2009We’re always on the lookout for helpful cerebral palsy resources, and we recently came across some informational videos on The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation website. The foundation has produced videos on topics including: Caregiving Recreation Therapeutic Horseback Riding Accessibility and Adaptive Equipment Health Quality of Life Active Living Much more! The videos range in length from about two to 15 minutes, making them quick and easy to fit into your schedule and share with others...
January Is National Birth Defects Prevention Month
Posted on January 06, 2009January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and this year’s awareness topic is “Obesity Prevention and Weight Management – Before, During and After Pregnancy.” Obesity is a national epidemic that gives rise to numerous health problems, but many are unaware that pregnancy complications are among those problems...
Assistive Technology Conference Later This Month The Assistive Technology Industry Association is celebrating its 10th annual conference in Orlando on January 28-31. Anyone interested in learning more about assistive technology is invited to attend, and
Posted on January 05, 2009The Assistive Technology Industry Association is celebrating its 10th annual conference in Orlando on January 28-31. Anyone interested in learning more about assistive technology is invited to attend, and it’s a great opportunity for parents of children with cerebral palsy to talk to leading AT vendors and have some of their questions answered...
Assistive Technology Conference Later This Month
Posted on January 05, 2009The Assistive Technology Industry Association is celebrating its 10th annual conference in Orlando on January 28-31. Anyone interested in learning more about assistive technology is invited to attend, and it’s a great opportunity for parents of children with cerebral palsy to talk to leading AT vendors and have some of their questions answered...
Bookshare.org Benefits Kids with Disabilities
Posted on January 04, 2009Does your child have trouble holding books because of cerebral palsy? Does he or she have visual impairments or a learning disorder such as dyslexia? Then you might want to check out Bookshare.org. It’s a great resource for people with disabilities, particularly students, who are unable to read standard print...
Project Creates Possibilities for People with Disabilities
Posted on December 30, 2008New technologies improve lives and enhance functioning in kids and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy. The founders of Project: Possibility understand this and have made it their mission to empower those in the disability community by making the world more accessible with innovative software solutions...
Disability Power & Pride Ball to Commemorate Presidential Inauguration
Posted on December 27, 2008The disability community will usher in the new president on January 18, 2009 with the Disability Power & Pride Inaugural Ball. A first-ever event for the disability community, the ball will feature special guests, great food, live music, dancing — and you’re invited! Joining the celebration will be disability leaders and advocates from across the country, as well as federal legislators and government officials from the new administration...
Third Annual Rock to Roll Benefit Raises over $30,000
Posted on December 26, 2008More than $30,000 was raised for UCP Wheels for Humanity at the third annual Rock to Roll benefit in West Hollywood on December 14th. The event featured rockers from bands such as Social Distortion, Bad Religion, NOFX and Pennywise, among several others...
Oral Hygiene Tips and Resources for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on December 23, 2008Good oral hygiene is particularly important for children with cerebral palsy, who often experience a range of dental issues. For instance, kids with cerebral palsy tend to suffer from the following: Poor dental alignment Dental erosion caused by gastroesophageal reflux and/or vomiting Gingivitis caused by certain medications, especially seizure drugs Damaging oral habits such as teeth grinding, regurgitation, compulsive eating of non-edible substances and pouching (holding food in the pocket between the teeth and cheek for prolonged periods) Good Oral Hygiene Starts at Home One of the best ways of preventing oral health problems is by practicing good oral hygiene at home...
Assistive Technology Ideas Posted on Blog Carnival
Posted on December 22, 2008pA few weeks ago, we posted a a href="http://www.cerebralpalsylawblog.com/2008/11/articles/resources/assistive-technology/submit-your-holiday-gift-ideas-to-the-at-blog-carnival/"blog/a about Lon Thornburgrsquo;s ldquo;Assistive Technology Blog Carnival...
Coal Fund Helps Family of Child with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on December 17, 2008pThe Coal Fund is being used to help families in Tennessee pay for heat in their homes this winter, which fewer families are able to do during tough financial times. One family helped by the Coal Fund has been hit especially hard by these timesmdash;a single mom with three children, one of whom has cerebral palsy...
Scholarships Awarded to Young Adults with Hemiplegia
Posted on December 15, 2008The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) recently awarded $8,000 in education scholarships to young adults with hemiplegia, a type of cerebral palsy characterized by paralysis on one side of the body. CHASA established a scholarship fund in 2007 in the name of Megan Chesney, a teenage girl who has helped raise money for the cause since she was six years old...
Is Your CP Child Interested in Playing a Sport?
Posted on December 15, 2008Just over a decade ago, the U.S. Department of Education reported that 95 percent of children with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy were prevented from full access to sports programs. While there have been efforts to change this fact, much still needs to be done...
Late Preterm Babies Face Threefold Risk of Cerebral Palsy
Posted on December 14, 2008Preterm birth has long been known to be a risk factor for cerebral palsy, but new research suggests that babies born late preterm (34-36 weeks gestation) face a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with cerebral palsy than babies born at or after 37 weeks...
Gum Disease Can Put Your Unborn Baby at Risk for CP
Posted on December 11, 2008The increased hormones during pregnancy cause about half of all pregnant women to develop a gum disease called “pregnancy gingivitis,” according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Studies show that severe gum disease (periodontal disease) increases a woman’s risk of preterm delivery, and premature birth is a risk factor for cerebral palsy and a host of other health problems...
Book Offers Tips on Pediatric Surgery for Parents
Posted on December 10, 2008Treatment options for children with cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy and similar physical disabilities may include surgery. However, the decision to put your child through surgery can be a stressful one fraught with uncertainty, and this is especially true if the surgery involves a new technique...
Institute Offers Support to Families of Children with Disabilities
Posted on December 09, 2008The Siskin Children’s Institute, headquartered in Tennessee, offers various kinds of support to families of children with disability, including research help, information on community resources, and workshops and education classes – all free of charge...
New Children's Book Teaches Acceptance of CP
Posted on December 07, 2008Children with physical limitations such as cerebral palsy face unique challenges once they reach school age. Perhaps the greatest of the challenges is overcoming difference to gain the acceptance of their peers. This is the challenge 8-year-old Zack faces as he embarks on a new year of school...
Victory for Family of Cerebral Palsy Victim
Posted on December 05, 2008In May 2002, Dan and Lori Perseke of Minnesota went to the Ortonville Hospital for the birth of their son, Wyatt. Unfortunately, during and immediately following his birth, something went tragically wrong. The Persekes allege that due to negligence by Dr...
Are Medical Professionals Cavalier about C-Sections?
Posted on December 04, 2008Birth by cesarean section (C-section) is increasingly common in our society, but the procedure is not always performed for the right reasons. Some experts believe the trend has gone too far, with doctors and women scheduling C-sections sometimes weeks before the recommended gestation period...
Need Financial Assistance Caring for Your CP Child?
Posted on December 03, 2008These are difficult economic times for many families across the country, especially for those trying to provide for a child with cerebral palsy or other special need. Medical care, housing, transportation, assistive technology — these are just a few of the things families of special needs children must budget into their finances...
Man with CP Finishes PGA Walk
Posted on December 01, 2008D.J. Gregory spent the last year walking every hole on the PGA tour — a feat that he should have never been able to accomplish. Born with cerebral palsy, D.J. has persevered over his 30 years and made it his mission to do what he was told he never would: walk...
Submit Your Holiday Gift Ideas to the AT Blog Carnival
Posted on November 30, 2008Assistive Technology Blog Carnival is a blog hosted by educator and AT specialist, Lon Thornburg, and he’s asking you to submit ideas, reviews, and stories about your favorite tech gadgets. The goal is to post a “carnival” of ideas for people to use this coming holiday season...
Explore Spasticity with Others
Posted on November 28, 2008Spasticity is a condition that affects some individuals with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and brain or spinal cord injury. Those who have spastic cerebral palsy experience impaired movement due to muscle stiffness, involuntary muscle spasms and limited range of motion in joints...
DOD Clinic Provides Comprehensive Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Posted on November 26, 2008The San Antonio Military Medical Complex (SAMMC) is the only Department of Defense facility to provide comprehensive cerebral palsy treatment to children and adults with the condition. In fact, the facility’s spasticity clinic has been named a center of excellence for the treatment of cerebral palsy...
Project Serves Military Families of Children with Disabilities
Posted on November 23, 2008Military families face unique challenges, and these challenges are often compounded when a member of the family has cerebral palsy or other special need(s). Because military families are required to move frequently, continuity of care is perhaps chief among the challenges faced by these families...
Cerebral Palsy Travel Tips for the Holidays
Posted on November 21, 2008The winter holiday season is one of the busiest in terms of travel, and many families prepare weeks or even months in advance to ensure their travel plans go as smoothly as possible. For families of children with cerebral palsy or similar disability, planning seamless travel often requires some additional considerations...
Cerebral Palsy Association to Host Gala for Research
Posted on November 20, 2008The Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPIRF) will host a gala next month at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles to raise money for a new research initiative. Recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the incidence of cerebral palsy is highest among African Americans and the cerebral palsy association CPIRF wants to focus more research in this area...
Family Wins $20.5 Million in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
Posted on November 19, 2008One of Pennsylvania’s largest medical malpractice verdicts in recent years was handed down on Monday in a cerebral palsy lawsuit. The jury awarded $20.5 million to a 7-year-old boy and his parents for injuries the boy suffered at birth. Cody’s Ordeal Cody White was born on June 30, 2001 by Caesarean section...
Support for Siblings of Children with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on November 17, 2008Children with special needs such as cerebral palsy tend to require significant emotional and physical support from their parents. However, siblings of special needs kids often have needs of their own and parents can help meet these needs through programs specifically designed for sibling support...
Father Creates Documentary Film of Son's Cerebral Palsy
Posted on November 15, 2008Dan Habib is a filmmaker, an activist and a father of an 8-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. Over the past four years, Habib has chronicled the life of his son using film and created a one-hour documentary titled “Including Samuel.” A Personal Story The film began as a way for Habib to document his experience as a father of a disabled child, a suggestion made to him by one of Samuel’s doctors...
March of Dimes Issues First Premature Birth Report Card
Posted on November 13, 2008November 12th is Prematurity Awareness Day, and the March of Dimes has released its first annual Premature Birth Report Card to draw attention to a serious issue that affects hundreds of thousands of families each year. More than half a million babies are born prematurely (prior to 37 weeks gestation) every year in the United States, and these infants face great health risks and threats such as jaundice, blindness, hypothermia, cerebral palsy and permanent disability...
Kids Confined to Wheelchairs Featured in Nick News Show
Posted on November 10, 2008On November 16th, Nick News with Linda Ellerbee will feature a show called “The View from My Chair” about four exceptional kids who, for one reason or another, are confined to life in a wheelchair. As part of the show, the kids invite audiences into their daily lives and get to experience weightlessness on a Zero-Gravity flight...
Creating a Multi Sensory Environment for Your Cerebral Palsy Child
Posted on November 09, 2008Studies have shown that Multi Sensory Environments (MSEs) can improve the quality of life of children and adults with emotional, physical and developmental disabilities. According to the Hidden Angels Foundation, MSEs “promote intellectual activity and encourage relaxation” through multi-sensory stimulation...
November Is National Family Caregivers Month
Posted on November 07, 2008President George W. Bush recently proclaimed November as National Family Caregivers Month, making this November the first annual celebration of parents, grandparents, siblings and other family caregivers who make daily sacrifices for their loved ones...
Foundation Funds Research on Hippotherapy and Cerebral Palsy
Posted on November 05, 2008The Horses and Humans Research Foundation has granted $100,000 in funding to two universities, one of which will study the effect of hippotherapy (horse-assisted therapy) on head and body movement in 18 children with cerebral palsy. A 2006 study showed that therapeutic horseback riding programs can benefit motor functioning in children with spastic diplegia, a common type of cerebral palsy, and in recent years, numerous equine-assisted therapy programs have been developed around the country to help individuals with disability...
Mayo Clinic on Cutting Edge of Erb's Palsy Treatment
Posted on November 03, 2008Thousands of babies are born each year with Erb’s palsy, typically as a result of damage during birth to the network of nerves known as the brachial plexus. About 10 percent of babies with Erb’s palsy require treatment, which may include surgery...
Interactive Play for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on October 31, 2008Choosing toys for a child with disability can be a challenge for parents. For children with cerebral palsy, parents must take into consideration their child’s physical impairments as well as any communicative or cognitive difficulties. Fortunately, there are a couple of great resources that can help parents find interactive toys and even local play groups for their child: · Lekotek...
Study Tests HBOT for Easing Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Posted on October 30, 2008A federally funded study will test whether a controversial therapy known as HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) can help to ease symptoms of cerebral palsy. Forty-eight children with cerebral palsy will participate in study and receive the therapy for free at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio...
$11.4 Million Awarded in Nurse Malpractice Case
Posted on October 29, 2008After a three-week trial, a jury ruled that nurse malpractice caused Laine Jelinek to suffer damage to his brain during birth. The injury left Laine with cerebral palsy, and he will require constant care over the course of his lifetime. The lawsuit filed by Laine’s parents in 2006 cited negligence on the part of a certified nurse midwife and registered nurse...
A Medical Home for Your Cerebral Palsy Child
Posted on October 23, 2008Obtaining comprehensive, compassionate and effective medical care is essential for ensuring the health and wellbeing of your cerebral palsy child. However, coordinating this type of healthcare is no easy feat for parents, and that’s where the National Center for Medical Home Implementation steps in...
Do You Know Where the Candidates Stand on Disability?
Posted on October 21, 2008Families of children with cerebral palsy and/or other special needs often rely heavily on government funding and programs for help. With the presidential election on the horizon, parents of kids with disabilities need to know exactly where the candidates stand...
"New" Erbs Palsy Surgery
Posted on October 21, 2008"New" because it's a surgery that has been around for years but only recently has been used for children. The surgery involves reconnecting broken nerves to healthy ones. Now repair can be done on young people before the injuries get to a point of no possible repair...
Preparing for Your Child's Financial Future
Posted on October 15, 2008With the recent economic crisis, many parents are becoming increasingly concerned about their children’s future financial security. This is especially true of parents caring for a child with special needs, who often require long-term and expensive care...
$4.25 Million Awarded to Family of Girl with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on October 13, 2008The family of 5-year-old Miriam Tavares was awarded $4.25 million by a jury in Washington for injuries the girl suffered during her delivery at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center. Miriam sustained severe brain damage, and now has cerebral palsy. She cannot walk, talk, eat on her own and will require a lifetime of care...
Man Walks on Stilts to Raise Money for UCP
Posted on October 11, 2008A young man with mild cerebral palsy is raising money for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) by stilt-walking in the Grand Rapids Marathon in Michigan on October 19th. This isn’t his first marathon on stilts, and he’s hoping this year he can beat his personal best time...
Publishing Company Targets Special Needs Community
Posted on October 10, 2008Parents of children with cerebral palsy may find valuable information and resources in EP Magazine (for Exceptional Parent). The monthly publication and website, eparent.com, are dedicated to supporting the special needs community with practical advice and emotional encouragement...
Did Your Baby Have Jaundice?
Posted on October 08, 2008Jaundice is extremely common among newborns – about 60 percent of all babies develop the condition, which is characterized by excess levels of bilirubin in the blood. When left untreated for too long, severe jaundice can result in a type of brain damage that causes athetoid cerebral palsy...
Free Teleclass for Family Caregivers
Posted on October 08, 2008November is National Family Caregivers Month, and to kick it off, the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) is hosting a teleclass designed to help caregivers become better advocates for their loved ones. The theme of the two-part teleclass is “Communicating Effectively with Healthcare Professionals,” and it will be held on November 6th and 13th at 2 p...
World Congress on Disabilities Expo Next Month
Posted on October 07, 2008The World Congress on Disabilities is holding a two-day conference and expo in Jacksonville, Florida on November 21st and 22nd. One of the featured conference tracks is pediatric cerebral palsy and it focuses on new approaches to treating this increasingly diagnosed condition...
Girl Benefits from Experimental Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Posted on October 04, 2008A two-year-old girl has made “remarkable” progress since undergoing an experimental cerebral palsy treatment at Duke University in May. The treatment involved the use of the toddler’s own umbilical cord blood, which her parents had stored with a private company after she was born...
Nintendo Wii May Help Cerebral Palsy Patients
Posted on October 02, 2008A new case study published in Physical Therapy Journal shows promise for the use of gaming technology, specifically Nintendo Wii, to enhance rehabilitation in cerebral palsy patients. The study focused on the case of an adolescent with spastic diplegia, and was conducted over the course of a summer...
Cerebral Palsy Association on Twitter
Posted on October 01, 2008United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is jumping on the social media bandwagon with a Twitter account, a blog and profiles on several popular social networking sites. UCP is a leading cerebral palsy association, dedicated to disability advocacy and support. Twitter launched microblogging (short and frequent posts of 140 words or less) to the forefront of social media with its launch in 2006...
Philanthropist Finds a Cause in Cerebral Palsy
Posted on September 28, 2008Noted economist and philanthropist Paul Volcker is trying to raise awareness of cerebral palsy, a condition that he says has never gained great popularity with the charitable community. Volcker’s son has mild cerebral palsy, and he’s long been involved with the cause...
Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week
Posted on September 26, 2008The United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc. (UBPN) and its Awareness Committee have announced that the 9th annual Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week will be celebrated from October 19th through October 26th, 2008. The goal of the week long activity is to increase general awareness regarding brachial plexus injuries: traumatic injuries that can result in full to partial paralysis of one or both arms...
Hospital Accepts Liability for Girl's Cerebral Palsy
Posted on September 26, 2008A hospital in Worcestershire, England, has admitted that medical mistakes led to the development of quadriplegic cerebral palsy in Holly Nixon. A medical negligence specialist and cerebral palsy lawyer for the family said Holly will likely require 24-hour care for the rest of her life...
$5.5 Million Settlement Reached in Birth Injury Case
Posted on September 25, 2008A $5.5 million settlement has been reached in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by a woman whose son suffered severe brain damage after prolonged oxygen deprivation at birth. The damage has left the boy, now 6, unable to perform basic functions like walking, sitting on his own, feeding and talking...
Yoga Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy
Posted on September 24, 2008Yoga has become extremely popular in recent years, in part because of the large number of celebrities who promote the practice. Though yoga is primarily practiced by adults, children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities may also benefit from practicing yoga...
Cerebral Palsy Risk Increased by Antibiotics?
Posted on September 20, 2008Two studies published in the September 18th issue of The Lancet show a link between antibiotic use to stop preterm labor and an increased cerebral palsy risk. Antibiotics are sometimes given to pregnant women to prevent preterm delivery, even if they show no sign of infection or membrane rupture...
Botox: A Dangerous Cerebral Palsy Treatment?
Posted on September 19, 2008In recent years, Botox has gained increasing popularity as an effective cerebral palsy treatment. Though the Food and Drug Administration has not approved Botox for treating cerebral palsy, physicians have found in useful in controlling limb spasticity...
Drug Shows Promise for Treating Cerebral Palsy Symptom
Posted on September 18, 2008Drooling is a common symptom of cerebral palsy, affecting as many as one third of those diagnosed with the condition. Though a seemingly benign symptom that tends to improve with age, drooling can cause skin irritation as well as social and self-esteem issues in young cerebral palsy patients...
Check Out These Cerebral Palsy Resources
Posted on September 17, 2008For individuals and families dealing with cerebral palsy, finding adequate resources for support (financial, emotional and physical) can be a challenge. However, there are numerous cerebral palsy resources out there – local and national, governmental and non-profit...
Does Common Compound Reduce Cerebral Palsy Risk?
Posted on September 16, 2008Magnesium sulfate, more popularly known as Epsom salt, has been identified by researchers as a possible treatment for women at risk for preterm delivery (before 32 weeks gestation)—a known risk factor for cerebral palsy. A study published in August in the New England Journal of Medicine compared the rate of cerebral palsy in babies whose mothers were given either magnesium sulfate or placebo...
Medical Errors: Children Are the Most Vulnerable
Posted on September 15, 2008A recent New York Times article sheds light on the dangers of medical errors, particularly in infants and children since they are more vulnerable due to their small size. They are also still developing, and the effects of a medical error during this crucial time can have permanent or potentially life threatening consequences...
Cerebral Palsy Information and Symptoms: News from other Blogs
Posted on September 11, 2008This week a few other Blog posts that you might find interesting form elsewhere. Video Game Therapy for Cerebral Palsy - An engineering student at the University of Toronto has designed a computer game for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy...
Does 4 Million Equal 45 Million?
Posted on August 27, 2008It would seem to be true in the case of a young California boy whose troubled birth has left him with severe brain damage and cerebral palsy. A Sierra View District Hospital has agreed to a 4 million dollar settlement. The obstetrician and nurse anesthetist have also agreed to a settlement but the terms of the settlement remain confidential...
Cerebral Palsy Lawyers: Fetal Distress
Posted on August 13, 2008I was recently reviewing the types of cases that our cerebral palsy lawyers have investigated a large number of them are fetal distress cases. Fetal Distress is when the heart rate of the baby lowers significantly during the labor and delivery process...
New Structured Settlement Law in Louisiana
Posted on August 02, 2008Louisiana legislation signed into law on July 15th provides clearer guidance for judges dealing with settlements for minors.House Bill 133 amended the state's Civil Code of Procedures to state that "in approving any proposal by which money will be paid to the minor as the result of a judgment or settlement, the court may order that the money be paid under a structured settlement agreement which provides for periodic payments and is underwritten by a financially responsible entity that assumes responsibility for future payments...
Girl Claims 300,000 Pounds in Damages
Posted on July 14, 2008A four-year old Gloucester, England girl - disabled from injuries at birth - is at the center of a 300,000 pound High Court claim for hospital negligence. 300,000 pounds translates to about $590,000 in U.S. dollars in today's money market(7/14/08)...
Wrong Medicine In This Case
Posted on June 23, 2008The family of a Pennsylvania woman, Sandra Koch, has been awarded 1.6 million dollars by a Superior Court jury because she was given the wrong heart medicine.According to the lawsuit, she had been admitted to Christiana Hospital on July 23, 2003 to be treated for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart beat...
Two Million Dollar Malpractice Verdict
Posted on June 12, 2008In Rhode Island, a Warwick man has received a $2 million verdict from a Superior Court jury.Richard Barrett brought suit against Rhode Island Hospital and Dr. William Feng claiming that he did not receive proper care during his open heart surgery in 1998...
C-Sections All The Rage
Posted on June 02, 2008Ten years ago about 1 in 5 pregnant women had a C-section; in 2006 that number was nearly 1 in 3. C-section supporters point to eliminating rare but frightening complications of vaginal delivery. Others point to the increased recuperation time, risks of uterine rupture and other problems during subsequent surgeries...
Landlord Not Fair Under Fair Housing Act
Posted on May 29, 2008In Connecticut the Justice Department has awarded $115,000 to a tenant because the landlord refused to allow the tenant to have an assistance dog in the home.It was claimed in the lawsuit that the tenant's daughter needed the dog to help with her cerebral palsy, depression and seizure disorder...
Largest Settlement in Dekalb County
Posted on May 28, 2008As reported in the Chicago Tribune an Aurora woman has settled her malpractice suit for fifteen million dollars. Vanessa Jenkins had brought suit against the doctor, hospital and staff alleging that her son Cody suffered brain damage because, during her labor, the doctor used a vacuum device improperly thus causing brain damage...
22 Million in Birth Malpractice
Posted on May 26, 2008Heather Grow's daughter, Cassie, was delivered by caesarian section but only after she had been stuck in the birth canal for over thirteen hours. In 1997 Heather was told that she had a narrow pelvic arch and that became an issue about two weeks before delivery when her doctors realized that the baby was about nine pounds...
Doctor Sues Doctors
Posted on May 19, 2008Dr. Jan Cunningham and his wife have filed suit against Thomas Memorial Hospital and two doctors who treated him between April 8th and May 9th. Cunningham had been admitted for abdominal surgery.According to the lawsuit the hospital and doctors failed to provide adequate, safe medical care including proper assessment, monitoring and treatment...
Air Force Settles - $5,000,000
Posted on May 14, 2008In 2004 William Duckworth was working as a civilian employee at Kadena Air Base in Japan. His daughter Aubrey was born at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa in September of 2004.Because her mother's uterus ruptured during birth Aubrey was not receiving oxygen and, as a result, is severely disabled...
$2.5 Million Illinois Erb's Palsy Verdict
Posted on May 13, 2008In Illinois a two million plus dollar award was given to a four year old by a Lake County jury. His permanent disability was caused when the doctor pulled too hard on the baby's neck during delivery. As a result the boy suffered severe nerve damage...
SOL for Minors Upheld
Posted on May 09, 2008The Oregon Supreme Court has upheld a five-year statute of limitations on medical malpractice lawsuits involving minors. Kelly Christiansen had filed suit against the Providence Health System because it was alleged that their doctor did not recognize fetal distress and perform an emergency c-section...
No Cap -- No More
Posted on May 07, 2008A judge in Fulton County, Georgia, has struck down the cap on monetary awards in a medical malpractice case.Superior Court Judge Marvin Arrington wrote that the cap was unconstitutional because it allowed protection to the medical profession that was not allowed to other defendants such as manufacturers of defective products...
Elective Caesarean versus VBAC
Posted on April 05, 2008Now here is an interesting article that weighs the risk assumed by mothers as compared to letting them have a vaginal birth after C-Section (VBAC). Great little synopsis from the blog where I found it. The True Face of Birth I recently came across an article titled Cost-Effectiveness of Elective Cesarean Delivery After One Prior Low Transverse Cesarean...
Doctors and Addiction: Many professionals have this problem
Posted on April 03, 2008From an awareness point of view I would want to know this before I got treatment. SACRAMENTO, California (CNN) -- A woman who says she had to forgo cancer treatment because of botched surgery by a California doctor says she was never made aware the doctor was being treated for alcoholism and had been convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol...
Silent Tort Reform: Watch out for Premption
Posted on April 01, 2008People over Profits. That is how it should be. It isn't. So now pharmaceutical companies and any company regulated by the federal government want to be able to keep you out of state court. Why? They say that because the federal government has approved a drug or medical device or consumer product, that it therefore is "safe"...
New Jersey Cerebral Palsy Verdict
Posted on March 30, 2008No question. This is a large verdict and it is no wonder that the the defense has said publicly that they will seek a new trial. That is standard. Take a look at the facts laid out in this quote. This (in my opinion) is a pretty typical medical malpractice case involving a delay in diagnosing the problem...
Massachusetts Settlement means disabled people can live in homes
Posted on March 28, 2008In this settlement, people with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation will be moved to homes and apartments and will not be required to live in nursing homes. They will also have staff and services made available to them as part of the settlement...
Here's how a malpractice cap affects a verdict
Posted on March 12, 2008In a recent medical malpractice verdict in Indiana a jury awarded $3.7 Million to a young person with cerebral palsy. Indiana state law reduces that amount to $2 Million under a law that caps verdicts. Hmmm. So what that means is that the insurance company gets to fight tooth and nail to keep from paying out and when they lose big then they are still protected...
$3 Million Dollar Settlement in the Northeast
Posted on March 11, 2008At least is appears to be in the northeast. This just a blog post announcing a settlement. Note how the post says that the plaintiff will receive $29 Million over the course of her life. That is because the present value of the settlement may be $3 Million but that is used to purchase an annuity that will provide $29Million in payments for the rest of her life (or some set time)...
You Following the Botox Investigation?
Posted on March 10, 2008For those of you following the botix news and investigation here is a quick link to an article. Allegan has received a subpoena concerning the promotion of Botox. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Allergan Inc said on Monday that it received a subpoena from the U...
Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Verdict in Pennsylvania
Posted on March 01, 2008Another pretty large verdict. Often these verdicts make the news because of their size. Please notice that there is usually an offer to settle for the insurance policy limits or some other number. In many states if there is an offer to settle and the defendant and the insurance company refuse that offer, then if the verdict is larger than then offer or the policy limits then the insurance company may have to pay the higher number (the verdict)...
Here we go again.
Posted on February 28, 2008One big verdict and you start seeing stories like this. You have to dig deep into this article to see the reality: Insurance Companies control trial tactics and settlement negotiations. The insurance company in this case could have settled this case for $2 million...
New York Cerebral Palsy Settlement
Posted on February 27, 2008This from a video report of a $2.4 Million dollar settlement in a case in New York. The child suffers severe brain damage and the settlement should go a ways to help the family. Kelly Hunt-Force was born at corning hospital in 1998 with cerebral palsy...
Lawsuit filed to Challenge Texas Medical Malpractice Caps
Posted on February 26, 2008The Malpractice Cap Law in Texas is just SO arbitrary. Now, I don't believe that malpractice caps actually drive down insurance rates. (That position is probably no surprise to anyone reading this as I am a plaintiff's lawyer) Here's the thing: If you set caps at a hard number then all you do is cap the amount that insurance companies pay...
Patient Recieves a Cancerous Lung in Transplant
Posted on February 22, 2008This from the Daily Pennsylvanian. This lawsuit alleges that the hospital and doctors misrepresented the identity of the donor. Two years ago, Tony Grier received a pair of diseased lungs during a lung transplant at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania...
Anesthesia Malpractice Case Verdict in Illinois
Posted on February 21, 2008On Thursday in La Salle County Circuit Court, a jury decided Adam Porter should receive nearly $24 million from a doctor and nurse practitioner in a malpractice case. The 34-year-old Streator man filed a lawsuit in May 2003 against Ephraim W. Batambuze, M...
Erb's Palsy Best Children's Hospitals
Posted on February 20, 2008From the US News and world Report, we now have the best Children's Hospitals in America. The top 4 were not really a surprise, they were in Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Denver. It's easier to just read the article at their website. Here's the link: USNews...
Botox warnings
Posted on February 19, 2008Botox has been used in Children to treat spasticity. This recent news is something all parents should look at before considering using botox to treat spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that Allergan's Botox and Botox Cosmetic as well as Solstice Neuroscience's Myobloc have been linked to adverse reactions including respiratory failure and death, following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses...
Pharmacy Mistakes: Overworked Pharmacists?
Posted on February 19, 2008Month's earlier the pharmacist had asked for more staff. Why? To "decrease the pharmacist's stress" When Tabitha Jones picked up her stepson's medicine at a Walgreens store near Nashville in 2004, she had no way to know the pharmacy was so busy that its manager had asked for more staffing months earlier to "decrease the pharmacist's stress...
Large cerebral palsy verdict in Connecticut
Posted on February 11, 2008The them for this case seems to be "Delay". That is a common theme in cerebral palsy medical malpractice cases. Often this is because it is the delay that causes the oxygen deprivation to the brain. This article states that this may be the largest verdict on Conn...
This is just not right. Mistakes like this should not be made
Posted on February 08, 2008You just can't let this happen. The hospital should have systems in place to protect against this. The emotional trauma is extreme and heartwrenching. Here's the story. BY BRYON OKADAFORT WORTH -- A Johnson County couple filed a lawsuit Tuesday afternoon alleging negligence and gross negligence against Huguley Memorial Medical Center of Fort Worth following a July incident where hospital staff sent their newborn’s corpse to the cleaners with the dirty laundry...
This is just not right. Mistakes like this should not be made
Posted on February 07, 2008You just can't let this happen. The hospital should have systems in place to protect against this. The emotional trauma is extreme and heartwrenching. Here's the story. BY BRYON OKADAFORT WORTH -- A Johnson County couple filed a lawsuit Tuesday afternoon alleging negligence and gross negligence against Huguley Memorial Medical Center of Fort Worth following a July incident where hospital staff sent their newborn’s corpse to the cleaners with the dirty laundry...
Emergency Room Wait times increasing
Posted on February 05, 2008Tick Tock, Tick Tock. Does it seem like it takes forever when you go to an emergency room? You may actually be on to something there. A study released recently shows that emergency room wait times are increasing. Emergency room wait times across the country increased 36 percent between 1997 and 2004, according to a Harvard study published today...
Doctor and Lawyer: Back and forth on tort reform
Posted on February 05, 2008I was looking at an article on John Ritter's death today. There was a lawsuit that followed alleging medical negligence. As part of my research I came across this blog entry from another lawyer and went off on another tangent. There is a great point counterpoint that goes on in the comment section of this post...
Emergency Room Wait times increasing
Posted on February 05, 2008Tick Tock, Tick Tock. Does it seem like it takes forever when you go to an emergency room? You may actually be on to something there. A study released recently shows that emergency room wait times are increasing. Emergency room wait times across the country increased 36 percent between 1997 and 2004, according to a Harvard study published today...
Medical Injuries are worldwide
Posted on February 04, 2008This from an article in Ireland. A settlement in a birth injury case involving a failure to properly electronically monitor the labor as is progressed. The result was severe cerebral palsy. Details were not disclosed except that it was substantial and the full amount claimed...
Profit or Charity. Virginia is deciding
Posted on February 03, 2008The Virginia supreme court recently heard arguments about whether physician foundations could get immunity from medical malpractice lawsuits because of their charity work. The state Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday that pitted the rights of patients injured by negligence against the medical community's need to preserve its financial well-being in the face of growing indigent-care demands...
Profit or Charity. Virginia is deciding
Posted on February 03, 2008The Virginia supreme court recently heard arguments about whether physician foundations could get immunity from medical malpractice lawsuits because of their charity work. The state Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday that pitted the rights of patients injured by negligence against the medical community's need to preserve its financial well-being in the face of growing indigent-care demands...
Southern California Brain Injury Settlement
Posted on February 02, 2008An arbitration panel has awarded a $3.2 million verdict to a family. Kaiser Permanente is paying $3.2 million to a 14-year-old Lake Forest girl who wasn't breathing and suffered brain damage when delivered by Caesarean section. The birthing malpractice settlement was reached this month after a binding arbitration decision in favor of the family of Ariana Ehtemam...
Hep C patient given HIV drug instead.
Posted on February 01, 2008Pharmacy errors are very dangerous. That seems like an obvious statement, I know. But here is a story I found that reveals what can happen when you are given the wrong drug. A liver transplant patient has sued New York University Medical Center for $2 million, claiming the hospital's pharmacy gave him medicine for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, when he tried to fill a prescription for hepatitis C medicine...
Twins - Delay in Delivery verdict
Posted on February 01, 2008We had a case similar to this a few years ago. The case we were involved with here in the United States where the second twin was delayed in his delivery resulting in a lack of oxygen and some fetal distress. This article out of the UK: A judge sitting at the High Court in London has awarded a boy who suffered brain damage after he was born nearly an hour after his healthy twin brother 2...
Southern California Brain Injury Settlement
Posted on February 01, 2008An arbitration panel has awarded a $3.2 million verdict to a family. Kaiser Permanente is paying $3.2 million to a 14-year-old Lake Forest girl who wasn't breathing and suffered brain damage when delivered by Caesarean section. The birthing malpractice settlement was reached this month after a binding arbitration decision in favor of the family of Ariana Ehtemam...
Hep C patient given HIV drug instead.
Posted on February 01, 2008Pharmacy errors are very dangerous. That seems like an obvious statement, I know. But here is a story I found that reveals what can happen when you are given the wrong drug. A liver transplant patient has sued New York University Medical Center for $2 million, claiming the hospital's pharmacy gave him medicine for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, when he tried to fill a prescription for hepatitis C medicine...
Twins - Delay in Delivery verdict
Posted on January 31, 2008We had a case similar to this a few years ago. The case we were involved with here in the United States where the second twin was delayed in his delivery resulting in a lack of oxygen and some fetal distress. This article out of the UK: A judge sitting at the High Court in London has awarded a boy who suffered brain damage after he was born nearly an hour after his healthy twin brother 2...
Failure to Diagnose Case
Posted on January 31, 2008This is a verdict I just read about. This medical malpractice case was in West Virginia. It is a large verdict ($4 million). The victim presented with "serious abdominal symptoms and complaints". According to the testimony in the case "surgery would have been needed to correct a life-threatening ischemic bowel condition" That surgery did not happen and the patient died...
Failure to Diagnose Case
Posted on January 30, 2008This is a verdict I just read about. This medical malpractice case was in West Virginia. It is a large verdict ($4 million). The victim presented with "serious abdominal symptoms and complaints". According to the testimony in the case "surgery would have been needed to correct a life-threatening ischemic bowel condition" That surgery did not happen and the patient died...
Two Northern Virgina Doctors reprimanded for birth injury cases
Posted on January 30, 2008Here is a quick quote from a well written article covering the recent reprimand of two doctors relating to a birth injury on Virginia. For the first time in 20 years, the state's medical board has administratively punished two doctors who gained immunity from suit in catastrophic, birth-injury cases...
Two Northern Virgina Doctors reprimanded for birth injury cases
Posted on January 30, 2008Here is a quick quote from a well written article covering the recent reprimand of two doctors relating to a birth injury on Virginia. For the first time in 20 years, the state's medical board has administratively punished two doctors who gained immunity from suit in catastrophic, birth-injury cases...
Cook County Medical Malpractice Verdict
Posted on January 29, 2008A jury in Cook County handed down a record verdict recently. $22 million. A Cook County jury has awarded a record $22 million to the family of a 34-year-old woman who died in 2003 from complications during delivery at an Evanston hospital. The family of Rachelle Bentivenga alleged that hospital staff failed to properly treat her high blood pressure during labor and that she suffered a massive brain hemorrhage as a result...
Illinois Medical Malpractice at Veterans Hospital
Posted on January 29, 2008What a scathing report. 9 deaths caused by treatment at a VA hospital in Illinois. What makes VA hospital malpractice claims interesting is that they are often governed by a federal statute (The Federal Tort Claims Act). To pursue a medical malpractice case under that act involves a different procedure and the claim is filed in Federal Court...
Illinois Medical Malpractice at Veterans Hospital
Posted on January 29, 2008What a scathing report. 9 deaths caused by treatment at a VA hospital in Illinois. What makes VA hospital malpractice claims interesting is that they are often governed by a federal statute (The Federal Tort Claims Act). To pursue a medical malpractice case under that act involves a different procedure and the claim is filed in Federal Court...
Cook County Medical Malpractice Verdict
Posted on January 29, 2008A jury in Cook County handed down a record verdict recently. $22 million. A Cook County jury has awarded a record $22 million to the family of a 34-year-old woman who died in 2003 from complications during delivery at an Evanston hospital. The family of Rachelle Bentivenga alleged that hospital staff failed to properly treat her high blood pressure during labor and that she suffered a massive brain hemorrhage as a result...
Wisconsin Medical Malpractice bill
Posted on January 28, 2008There is a bill that passed the Wisconsin Senate that will give medical malpractice rights to two classes of people. Parents of adult children Children of adult parentsIn many cases and states around the country if an adult dies from medical malpractice and has no spouse or children, then no one could bring a case...
Wisconsin Medical Malpractice bill
Posted on January 28, 2008There is a bill that passed the Wisconsin Senate that will give medical malpractice rights to two classes of people. Parents of adult children Children of adult parentsIn many cases and states around the country if an adult dies from medical malpractice and has no spouse or children, then no one could bring a case...
Shoulder Dystocia is an obstectrical emergency
Posted on January 25, 2008This is an abstract discussing Shoulder Dystocia that I found on the NIH website. I bolded the text below to make a point which is simple. That is exactly why we have medical professionals. We want them to be "familiar with the maneuvers" ...
Shoulder Dystocia is an obstectrical emergency
Posted on January 25, 2008This is an abstract discussing Shoulder Dystocia that I found on the NIH website. I bolded the text below to make a point which is simple. That is exactly why we have medical professionals. We want them to be "familiar with the maneuvers" ...
Erb's Palsy and Shoulder Dystocia
Posted on January 24, 2008If you're looking for resources...well I just found a bunch that you could spend several hours wading through and reading. First here is an image from the page showing positioning during labor that can lead to a brachial plexus injury. Image is from http://www...
Erb's Palsy and Shoulder Dystocia
Posted on January 24, 2008If you're looking for resources...well I just found a bunch that you could spend several hours wading through and reading. First here is an image from the page showing positioning during labor that can lead to a brachial plexus injury. Image is from http://www...
New Jersey Wrongful death legislation: Support It.
Posted on January 10, 2008From over at the NHLawBlog.com (one of our other blogs) Please go read about legislation in New Jersey that will provide more protection to families. This law will allow families to recover emotional damages when a family member dies...
New Jersey Wrongful death legislation: Support It.
Posted on January 10, 2008From over at the NHLawBlog.com (one of our other blogs) Please go read about legislation in New Jersey that will provide more protection to families. This law will allow families to recover emotional damages when a family member dies...
Medical Malpractice -- West Virginia Justice Dissents
Posted on January 03, 2008Recently in in West Virginia a justice said that the West Virginia Medical Professional Liability Act was creating "pointless procedural hoops" that were taking away from the courts being able to actually answer the factual questions. Here is a portion of the article itself really describes the problem that was presented to the court: The full article link is at the end of this post...
Medical Malpractice -- West Virginia Justice Dissents
Posted on January 03, 2008Recently in in West Virginia a justice said that the West Virginia Medical Professional Liability Act was creating "pointless procedural hoops" that were taking away from the courts being able to actually answer the factual questions. Here is a portion of the article itself really describes the problem that was presented to the court: The full article link is at the end of this post...
Cerebral Palsy and an adoption from Iraq
Posted on December 30, 2007This from CNN. Capt. Scott Southworth deployed to Iraq and in the process adopted a young boy named Ala'a. It was a long drawn out process. You may be able to imagine how difficult it is to adopt a child from Iraq during these times...
Cerebral Palsy and an adoption from Iraq
Posted on December 30, 2007This from CNN. Capt. Scott Southworth deployed to Iraq and in the process adopted a young boy named Ala'a. It was a long drawn out process. You may be able to imagine how difficult it is to adopt a child from Iraq during these times...
Lack of Oxygen and Delay in Delivery
Posted on December 28, 2007Here is a story out of Chicago that shows how a delay in delivery can lead to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Now that is just the "legal medical" side of this story. The real story here is how this young man and his family used a simple book to educate his classmates about his condition and about how he was "The Same on the inside"...
Lack of Oxygen and Delay in Delivery
Posted on December 28, 2007Here is a story out of Chicago that shows how a delay in delivery can lead to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Now that is just the "legal medical" side of this story. The real story here is how this young man and his family used a simple book to educate his classmates about his condition and about how he was "The Same on the inside"...
Move Medical Malpractice Out of the Courts?
Posted on December 26, 2007The National Center for Policy Analysis has released a report proposing that medical malpractice cases be moved completely out of the legal system and be handle by contract. The idea appears to be that you agree with your doctor or other medical care provider ahead of time what the value of your life or injury would be...
Move Medical Malpractice Out of the Courts?
Posted on December 26, 2007The National Center for Policy Analysis has released a report proposing that medical malpractice cases be moved completely out of the legal system and be handle by contract. The idea appears to be that you agree with your doctor or other medical care provider ahead of time what the value of your life or injury would be...
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Posted on December 21, 2007Here is an updated version of a previous post I made concerning Ataxic Cerebral Palsy and some really good sources on the net. University of Virginia Health Center: Tutorial for Cerebral Palsy BBC Health Cerebral Palsy Guide for Care: duPont Hospital for Children\
Another Amazing Story -- Video
Posted on December 20, 2007"Hope I inspire other disabled people to engage in their life term ambitions." This man has used technology to allow him to be a DJ. His hands have limited dexterity so he types with his nose.It shows how he uses the computer to make the mix...
Frenkel's Exercise
Posted on December 20, 2007I was recently asked about Frenkel's exercise and it's effectiveness for Treating Ataxic Cerebral Palsy. We cannot specifically recommend treatment for people. That is something that you have to work with your doctors on. I did take the time to find a post a few links that relate to Frenkels exercises...
Medical Malpractice Law Blog
Posted on December 20, 2007OK After a bit of hiatus... (OK it was quite a while) we are back with our Medical Malpractice Law Blog. We had a few technical difficulties along the way, but it looks like we have managed to solve those. So without further ado... I present the Medical Malpractice Law Blog (Again).
Disability Resource Guide by Rudy
Posted on December 19, 2007Head on over to Rudy's Disability Resource Guide. Here's what he has to say about his blog Which has up to date and current content...Something I always appreciate in a blog. This is a web site with links to information on a wide variety of disability issues it is intended both for people with disabilities and those who wish to learn about disability issues...
Video Blog Youtube
Posted on December 17, 2007I am constantly amazed at what Youtube has done to the Internet and to conversations about different subjects. It is not just a platform for watching home movies of dogs doing flips, cats caught in bags or a place to place advertisements to run elsewhere in the web...
Chicago Cerebral Palsy Settlement
Posted on December 08, 2007This one was approved by a judge to put an end to the 4 year old case. Labor proceeded appropriately until several minutes after Radis started pushing and fetal monitor tracings indicated the baby was not tolerating labor. Physicians and nurses attempted to expedite the delivery by using a vacuum extractor to bring the baby's head down farther, but the vacuum was removed after eight minutes because the doctor believed with one or two more pushes, the baby would be delivered, according to the release...
Diagnosis
Posted on December 07, 2007So how do you know if a child has cerebral palsy? How is that diagnosis reached? Generally you look for abnormal observations and abnormal imaging results. Are you noticing trouble walking, gripping or talking? If so then start asking around and doing some more in depth research...
Here's why you pursue a Cerebral Palsy Case
Posted on December 06, 2007Another Cerebral Palsy settlement from another country. This one has some great quotes though from the parents. The parents of an 11-year-old London girl awarded £6.5 million after hospital blunders left her severely brain damaged today told of their relief that her future is now taken care of...
Cerebral Palsy Settlement - Canada
Posted on December 01, 2007Here is a great discussion of a $4.2 Million dollar fee in a medical malpractice case that settled for $12.7 million. It sounds like this particular solicitor came into a case late and provided excellent representation. Mr. Justice Robert Smith has released a significant decision in which he has considered the issue of contingency fees charged to persons under a legal disability...
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Is it libel to write blog posts and/or online reviews about a local business that defames one's reputation?
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