Posts Tagged Birth injury attorneys
Small Ways to Take Time for Mommy and Daddy
Posted by George Passwater in Family Life on August 18, 2010
Are you having an issue with your marriage and think you have no time for each other? Think again.
Without Mommy and Daddy time, there will be more tension during family time – don’t let this lead to divorce for you and your spouse; this only tears apart the family even more.
No matter how small, taking some time for just you and your spouse not only helps your relationship, but also helps strengthen your entire family.
Here are some simple ways for Mommy and Daddy time:
- Have a shopping date – Having a small shopping date for groceries, at a department store or even shopping at a hardware store will help give some time to Mom and Dad.
- Movie date – Want to catch the latest movie out and have some time away? Take a day off and go to a matinee or have a sitter stay with your child for a few hours of movie time at night.
- Dinner – Just like a movie, a few hours at dinner helps Mommy and Daddy re-connect. If you get a family member or friend to help out with the kids, you have a few hours of food, conversation and quality time.
- Time after bedtime – When you don’t have help watching the kids, spend some time after bedtime to watch some TV, play a game or simply talk with your spouse.
- Time in the morning – If possible, try having a little time before everyone wakes up in the morning to connect with your significant other.
- Take a walk or drive – Get someone to watch the kids for a few minutes and just go and take a walk or drive around the neighborhood. It may seem small, but just a small time away will help mend the strings of your marriage.
Raising a special needs child is hard and does bring many stressful situations – this includes the marriage of the parents. Don’t let daily stress take a toll on you and your spouse. Take the time to have some small time for yourselves to keep that connection strong between Mommy and Daddy.
LikeU.K. Hospital Pays Family 1.75 Million Pounds
Posted by Justin Stoltzfus in Family Life, Litigation/Legal on April 23, 2010
A March 31 BBC News article shows the family of an eight-year-old with cerebral palsy and epilepsy was awarded 1.75 million British pounds to be paid from the Essex NS Trust after the Colchester General Hospital was found 80% liable for failing to provide a proper standard of care in the boy’s late delivery.
According to the report, the judge praised the parents of the child for seeking the compensation necessary for his care.
“You have unquestionably made a huge difference to his life,” said British High Court Justice Owen, “and you can at least now know that in financial terms his future is secured.”
The legal counsel for the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust admitted that a “breach of duty” occurred and apologized to the family.
A closer look at the Colchester Hospital shows that in this birth injury case, a larger pattern may have influenced the decision, or at least provided some red flags on the issue of whether Colchester General was providing a quality standard of care in 2001.
In November 2009, the chairman of Colchester’s controlling trust was removed after a nine month investigation by Monitor, the independent regulator of NHS foundation trusts.
Monitor found excessive mortality rates, long waiting times and insufficient MRSA screening at Colchester.
Responses by readers of the Daily Gazette bear out the findings of officials in testifying to an egregious lack of care at Colchester in recent years, calling health care there “appalling” and “shoddy” and lamenting the experiences of their loved ones.
The court mandated birth injury award handed down by Britain’s High Court shows how a general failure to provide a standard of care might contribute to hospital liability in specific cases. Officials from Colchester now claim that conditions are improving. All eyes will be on the Colchester Trust to see if management changes and the pressure of the large award will make a difference in the ability of staff there to reach a standard of quality care.
Research Into Umbilical Cord Inflammation and Cerebral Palsy
Posted by Rich Silverman in Research on February 24, 2010
Researchers at Loyola University Health System (LUHS) in Illinois believe that there may be a connection between cerebral palsy and inflammation of the umbilical cord in premature infants, and that certain causes of premature birth are more closely linked to that inflammation than others.
In findings recently presented at the 30th annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Chicago, LUHS researchers revealed that they studied 222 placentas from premature births, assigning each to one of four causes of premature birth:
- premature rupture of the amniotic sac or preterm labor
- preterm preeclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine)
- maternal disease related to heart complications
- uncomplicated births of multiples
LUHS researchers report a relationship between the presence of inflammation of the umbilical cord and the subsequent development of cerebral palsy. The findings indicate that there is a 30 percent chance of inflammation in the connective tissue of the umbilical cord when a baby is born prematurely due to an early rupture of the amniotic sac or preterm labor. The inflammation is present in only 3 percent of patients when premature delivery was a result of preeclampsia.
“These findings are valuable, as we continue to study the link between premature births and cerebral palsy. While further investigation is needed, managing inflammation may reduce the risk of certain complications in these infants.” according to Dr. John Gianopoulos, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Mary Isabelle Caestecker Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at LUHS.
Other research over the years has suggested a connection between inflammation of the umbilical cord and cerebral palsy, including work done in 2003 at the University of California.
Devices Help With Upper and Lower Extremity Function
Posted by Lauren Fritsky in Current Events, Therapy and Treatments on February 23, 2010
The medical product company Bioness has two devices that can help with both upper and lower extremity function for cerebral palsy patients.
The company’s NESS L300 uses a leg cuff, heel sensor and remote mode box that stimulate damaged nerves to make muscles contract. The system has been available since 2006 for treatment of stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, incomplete spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy patients. For one post-stroke patient at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Mississippi, it particularly helped with foot drag often caused by nerve damage.
The company’s hand rehabilitation system, NESS H200, has been available since 2004 and has two components that help send electrical pulses through the hand and wrist. The device has a two-fold use of acting as an exercise device or an attachment to help with holdings objects and other tasks the hand or wrist might be too weak for. The device can help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as drinking from a cup or teeth brushing.
While both devices can be used in rehabilitation facilities or at home, neither many private insurance companies not Medicare typically cover the L300 or H200. Individuals in some states may be able to use the devices depending on whether or not there are special programs that will help pay for them. Mississippi, for example, has both brain injury and spinal injury trust funds run by the state Department of Rehabilitation Services that help pay for the devices. Bioness has a page with information on applying to use the devices and finding a facility near you that offers them. The company also has a new Peer User Program for individuals wanting more information about the NESS L300 and NESS H200.
[Note: This information is brought to you solely as an informational resource. ChildRC.com has no financial interest in, and does not endorse, any particular products.]
Cerebral Palsy Research Around The Globe
Posted by Rich Silverman in Research, Therapy and Treatments on February 23, 2010
While millions are spent in the U.S. on cerebral palsy research, much work is being done in other parts of the world, as well. For example, a trio of separate researchers in Australia are conducting cutting-edge research into the causes of, and possible treatments for, cerebral palsy.
Dr. Nadia Badawi
As a neonatologist based in Sydney, Dr. Nadia Badawi is a firm believer in the plasticity of the brain – the idea that if the brain is damaged, over time it will actually change itself to be able to compensate for that damage. She is about to become the first holder of Notre Dame University in Australia’s new chair of cerebral palsy, and will have more than $2 million in funding to continue research into brain plasticity.
“I have no hesitation in now saying that one day there will be prevention and there will be a cure for cerebral palsy. The question is when and where,” she told The Australian.com. “But it will come, I have no doubt. I wouldn’t be taking up this post if I didn’t think that.”
Dr. Dinah Reddihough
While pediatrician Dr. Dinah Reddihough, head of developmental medicine at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, agrees with Dr. Badawi, she is a bit more circumspect when it comes to predicting a cure for cerebral palsy.
Speaking again to The Australian.com, she said “There are so many different causes of cerebral palsy and so many grades of severity, ranging from the slightest physical problems to the most severe disabilities.” She cautions that there can also be associated problems such as epilepsy and a wide range of intellectual as well as physical impairments. There are multiple risk factors, too, she notes, both before and during birth as well as during early childhood.
Dr. Reddihough’s research into cerebral palsy involves the use of magnetic resonance imaging to describe various patterns of brain injuries in patients with cerebral palsy. She hopes that by being able to more accurately describe the nature of brain injuries, it will be easier to treat them.
Roslyn Boyd
A physiotherapist and Scientific Director of the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, also uses MRI, but in a somewhat different way. Using the Southern Hemisphere’s first neonatal incubator compatible with an MRI, she is tracking the long-term developmental outcomes of 250 brain-injured children aged from 18-months to 5 years.
In the past, according to Boyd, there was no way to take regular MRIs of such fragile brain-damaged children. But her equipment enables her to take daily MRIs of her young patients. Dr. Reddihough’s research has established that a leading cause of cerebral palsy is damage to certain neural pathways that occurs between the 26th and 34th weeks of pregnancy. Boyd’s work will enable her to more precisely track what happens and how.
All three of these researchers embody a spirit that they believe will begin to pervade the cerebral palsy research and funding communities – one of hope. Dr. Badawi recalls how colleagues used to tell her that intervention is a waste of time. “They’d say, `It’s not going to change anything.’ Today we know that attitude was wrong, and it all goes back to plasticity.” She continues, adding “So, let’s be bold. Let’s now say: yes, we can do something. If we’re wrong, we’ll be no worse off. But I don’t believe we will be.”
Outdoor Recreation as Therapy: Adaptive Skiing
Posted by Justin Stoltzfus in Family Life, Therapy and Treatments on February 22, 2010
A winter program in Montana allows disabled high schoolers there to take advantage of a different kind of therapy: fun on the slopes.
This option stems from a kind of local movement that started 25 years ago when individual disabled advocates began brainstorming ways to help those with both physical and neurological conditions enjoy the outdoors. A group of advocates worked with the U.S. Forest Service and other groups to set up a fully functional downhill skiing area with specialized disability access features at the local Whitefish Mountain Resort. Since then, those involved have formed an organization called DREAM Adaptive, Inc. The acronym stands for “Disabled Recreation and Environmental Access Movement.”
According to a January report from the Living with Cerebral Palsy blog, the program relies on private donations through public events. DREAM helps provide what director Bruce Gibson calls “emotional therapy” for those with birth conditions like cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome, as well as a range of other disabilities. The program actually serves a wide age range, where volunteers have estimated that roughly 200 visitors enjoy the slopes each year.
In comments Feb. 18, Gibson explained that although lots of the ideas about adaptive skiing traditionally came out of central areas like Colorado, today there are a wide range of adaptive programs all over the world, each with their own unique methods.
“We’ve taken our own direction.” said Gibson. “It’s a lot of innovation – it’s very individualized.”
So what’s involved in adaptive skiing? Gibson says having the right equipment is critical. DREAM uses certain kinds of ski-mounted chairs called “mono-skis” as well as various kinds of skis on short poles, sometimes called “outriggers” to help visitors navigate the slopes.
Gibson has spent 8 years with DREAM, including 2 years as a volunteer and 6 years as program director. A major part of what DREAM does for disabled skiers, he says, is giving them the confidence of a successful downhill navigation, and the ability to experience downhill skiing along with friends and family.
His philosophy on adaptive skiing? “Everybody that skis is adaptive.” says Gibson. “The goal is still the same – to get down the hill.”
Unfortunately, for most of us, Montana is too far to go for a ski trip. The good news is, attention to providing recreation for the disabled has generated a lot of adaptive skiing programs all over the country. For parents and others who want to research adaptive skiing opportunities in their area, Gibson recommends the web site of Disabled Sports U.S.A., a national non-profit that offers program information to the public. Adaptive skiing can be a great way for an entire family to get “outdoor therapy” together and take advantage of the fresh air and exercise that goes along with this challenging activity.
The Ever-evolving Wheelchair: Tips for Choosing the Right One
Posted by Lauren Fritsky in Family Life on February 22, 2010
Many people may view wheelchairs with a one-size fits all mentality. But as wheelchair technology has advanced over the years, an array of different factors have come into play when considering the right device for your child.
A recent article on MySurburbanLife.com highlights the different options now available.
Over the last 15 years, new technology has produced more lightweight customized wheelchairs with advanced driving controls and special cushions. The chairs can also come with assistive devices that help with communication or other functions. For instance, a 20-year-old with cerebral palsy from Illinois uses a motorized wheelchair that is part chair, part car: it elevates, reclines and can make sudden, sharp turns because of front-wheel drive.
But just because there are so many options doesn’t mean that every one will work for every individual, according to assistive technology professional Eric Holman, who says, “Improperly fitted equipment can be just as bad as not having equipment.”
So what should you look for when choosing a wheelchair for your child? Christopher Smith says in “Getting The Right Wheelchair For Your Child” that parents need to consider both the child’s health and activity level. Some electric wheelchairs, for instance, can adjust for height and position to help a child participate in an activity, while some power wheelchairs offer remote control ability to give the child power over the device. But he cautions that getting a power wheelchair for a child too young could result in the child not being able to control it or taking it to high speeds.
David Silva of The Perfect Wheelchair writes in “Pediatric Wheelchair Considerations” that pediatric power wheelchairs can be good for children. Things he says to consider include the child’s:
- Need for mobility controls
- Physical abilities and functional skills
- Ability to control his or her upper and lower extremities and head and eye movements
- Prowess with technology such as joysticks
- Posture support and seating requirements
- Ability to grow with the wheelchair (does it have adjustable brace supports and expandable frame sections, etc.?)
Silva also recommends considering your child’s temperament regarding how well he or she will deal with learning how to use the wheelchair and how they’ll handle frustrations that come along with it. Also think about if your child will feel comfortable socially in the wheelchair. And last but not least, think about how you’ll transport the wheelchair once it’s in your possession and needs to follow your child to school or play dates.
Note: This information is brought to you solely as an informational resource. ChildRC.com has no financial interest in, and does not endorse, any particular products.
Going Right to the Top: Advocating for Your Needs by Eliminating the Middle Man
Posted by Charlene Miller in Education and Socialization on February 19, 2010
When “J” started college, one of the most basic, yet reoccurring problems was that wheelchair-accessible desks were usually not in her specific classrooms. A wheelchair accessible desk is simply a standard student desk that is a foot wider, and may offer adjustable height. Often, these desks are “discovered” and poached by bigger students, athletes, or those who just like to spread out.
“J” said that students would offer to help by pushing two desks together for her. Her professors emailed their department heads and custodians; but, days soon turned to weeks, and still, the desks did not arrive.
Finally, one of her professors suggested that she go find a custodian to see what he could do for her. Instead, “J” went directly to the maintenance department’s offices and ended up speaking directly to the plant manager. Apparently, the emails had been going to the incorrect office, and the plant manager had not seen them, nor heard of the concern. He took her schedule and wrote down each of the buildings and room numbers that “J” had classes. He placed a call and told whoever was on the other line to immediately place a wheelchair accessible desk in each room with a “Do Not Remove From Room” sign on each.
Even better (and most impressive) he gave “J” his business card with all of his contact information, including a pager, and told her to call him immediately and directly if she experienced any further problems with this or other issues.
Advocating for yourself, putting a face to the problem, is sometimes intimidating or difficult, but as “J” experienced, it often makes all of the difference. Her classmates and professors each tried to help her to solve the problem, but the proper information was not being directed to where it needed to go.
Advocating for yourself, getting the results that you need, sometimes means eliminating the middle-man, cutting through the red-tape and going straight to the top!
[Ed. note: See the previous posts in this multi-part series:
- Introduction: Acclimating to College Life in a Wheelchair
- Part One: Transitioning from an IEP in High School to Receiving Disability-Related Services in College
- Part Two: Choosing a College Based on Your Disability Based Needs
- Part Three: Fire Drills & Other Unexpected Emergencies
- Part Four: Personal Care Assistants – How to Get What You Need
at ChildRC.com. ]
Music Therapy and Your Special Needs Child
Posted by George Passwater in Family Life, Therapy and Treatments on February 18, 2010
Music makes us sing; music makes us dance; music makes us feel better.
Did you know music would help your special needs child, like one with a birth injury, as well?
It’s true. Here are some ways music will help your child:
Music Makes You Move
Music can be therapy for children with special needs and birth injuries
When you hear music, don’t you want to dance or move to the beat?
If your child has a disorder that impacts their physical abilities, music is a great way for them to get the exercise they need while having fun. Music is also a great way to stimulate brain activity and creativity in children with disabilities.
Make sure to choose the right type of music for child – music with upbeat and varying rhythms are perfect.
Creating a Sound or Beat
How many times have you caught yourself signing to your favorite song?
Singing along with music is a wonderful way for your child to work on their speech and language skills. When listening to music, your child could try to make different words and sounds to mimic the song they are listening to.
Many children love to bang, pound or make noises with musical instruments. Using these instruments would help your child again improve their speech abilities, but also their hand-eye coordination and gross and fine motor skills. A flute, harmonica, drum or symbol set make great music as well as great tools for your child’s therapies.
Music Makes You Happy
There is something about the right kind of music that just makes you feel good, right?
Playing the right kind of music for your special needs child not only helps them with their abilities; it also helps change their mood and provides upbeat motivation. Put on the right type music and watch them become happy with smiles, moving their arms and legs while moving to the beat. Join in and have fun!
Music is powerful tool. Using music along with physical, speech and other therapies, might help your child.
Give it a try and share your story with us. We would love to hear from you.
Help With Your Child’s Healthcare Costs
Posted by Lauren Fritsky in Current Events, Family Life on February 17, 2010
We already told you about how proposed Medicaid cuts could decrease programs and services for special needs children and individuals, like those with cerebral palsy, in several states when the 2010 budget takes effect. That means more families will be paying out-of-pocket for their child’s care. But there are ways to help defray medical costs and handle other issues of your child’s care.
Squeezing Value From Every Dollar
Compare Insurance
Sites such as Newchoicehealth.com, Healthcarebluebook.com and Vimo.com compare the costs of local providers charge.
Buy Discounted Medical Equipment
One parent in Washington talks about how she visited eBay to buy specialized equipment such as wheelchairs that her health insurance company wouldn’t cover. [See the section on ChildRC concerning donated wheelchairs.]
Create a Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps ensure a better quality of life for your child without affecting his or her eligibility for government programs. The money can be used for outings and entertainment. You’ll need to sit down with a financial planner who specializes in special-needs issues and an attorney who knows your state’s laws. Visit the Financial Planning Association to find a planner near you.
Get A Little Help From Your Friends
Team up with other parents to appeal to an employer or health care provider about medical treatment and coverage for your children. Parents of autistic children at Microsoft, for example, got a particular therapy included in the company health plan after banding together.
Explore the Medical Home
A Medical Home can be the actual place in which the individual receives care, but it also pertains to the collaborative model by which families help take care of the special needs child. Providers and families team up to supply health care and problem solve.
In addition, here’s a list of special education needs services by state .
*Information obtained from NorthJersey.com and Parentmap.com.
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Welcome to the ChildRC blog - a source of information and support for the parents and families of children with birth injuries. Learn More
The Sokolove Law nurse desk is led by Kathy McGinn, R.N., B.S.N., L.N.C.C., a 25-year nursing veteran who has worked in the field of legal nurse consulting since 1990. From early on in her career, Kathy was passionate about making patient advocacy the core of her nursing practice. She has been instrumental in cultivating a strong and knowledgeable team of nurses, each with a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.