As a condition that can remarkably affect a person and his or her family’s life, hemiplegia deserves a meticulous breakdown for legal purposes. Since we are medical records Review Company for lawyers in the U.S., we appreciate how crucial it is to understand hemiplegia along with its legal implications. This piece of writing is meant to examine in detail the causes, symptoms, treatment and other aspects of medical records regarding hemiplegia as well as its legal consequences.
What is Hemiplegia?
Definition
Hemiplegia is defined as paralysis on one side of a person’s body. This is usually due to injury in the bones of the skull, stroke of even other forms of neurological conditions. The word “hemiplegia” comes from the Greek word “hemi” meaning half and the word “plegia” which stands for paralysis.
Types
- Congenital Hemiplegia: Mostly results because of defective development during the course of pregnancy.
- Acquired Hemiplegia: Is associated with people who suffer strokes or paranormal IT brain injury or infections.
Causes
Stroke
Strokes are the most common reason for hemiplegia. During a stroke, blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which leads to cell death. According to the CDC, about 795,000 Americans have a stroke every year.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBIs can result from accidents, violent blows, or even falls, which leads to damage in the body that can result in hemiplegia.
Neurological Disorders
Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumours can also cause hemiplegia.
Symptoms
Physical Effects
• Limb Paralysis: The entire or one part of the body cannot be moved.
• Partial Paralysis: One side of the body feels a lot weaker than the other.
• Spasticity: When muscles become too stiff.
Psychological Effects
• Thinking Problems: Problems with one’s attention, recall, or general intellect.
• Vegetative States: A heightened state of anxiety combined with depression.
Diagnosis of Hemiplegia
Medical Evaluation
The diagnosis is usually made after a detailed review of medical history and accompanying physical signs coupled with MRI or CT scans of the patient to evaluate brain damage.
Role of Medical Records
Medical records help diagnose hemiplegia. They provide the patient’s medical and treatment history which is useful in legal matters too.
Treatment Options for Hemiplegia
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is essential for individuals with hemiplegia. It may include:
• Physical Therapy: These focuses on mobility and strength.
• Occupational Therapy: This aid improves the skills of daily living.
• Speech Therapy: This refers to communication problems.
Drugs
Drugs can be used for spasticity, pain, or even depression.
Surgical Procedures
Surgery may be performed to improve patient’s function or relieve pressure in the brain.
The Legal Implications of Hemiplegia
Personal Injury Claim
Hemiplegia is common in personal injury claims such as car accidents or even medical malpractice claims. Medical aspects of hemiplegia are very important for lawyers as they handle their impacted clients.
Compensation Claim from Employers
Employees suffering from hemiplegia after office related accidents may be eligible to receive workers compensation insurance. Lawyers have to deal with these claims cautiously.
The Role of Medical Records Review in Legal Cases
As a medical records review company, we assist attorneys by:
- Analyzing Medical Records: We provide detailed analyses of medical records to identify relevant information that supports legal claims.
- Expert Testimony: Our team can offer expert opinions on the medical aspects of hemiplegia, helping attorneys build strong cases.
- Case Strategy Development: We collaborate with legal teams to develop effective strategies based on medical evidence.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Hemiplegia Following a Stroke
Overview: A male aged 62 suffered a stroke and subsequently developed right-side hemiplegia.
Challenges: These patients had great difficulty moving, and needed a lot of rehabilitation support. The family claimed damages for medical care and lost income because the patient could no longer work.
Solutions: Our team focused on reviewing the patient’s medical history, treatment modalities, and rehabilitation stages. We gave evidence in relation to the impacts of the stroke and the requirement for long term care.
Compensation: It was agreed by the insurance company to pay for medical care, physiotherapy, and lost income.
Case Study 2: Hemiplegia Due to a Traumatic Brain Injury
Overview of the Case: a woman aged thirty was involved in a road vehicle accident which resulted in her Left side of the body being paralyzed.
Challenges: The legal modalities of the mechanistic position took a lot of time in litigation to claim the sufferer’s life and other extra injuries and disabilities impacts deviations in the activities of daily living.
Solutions: The law firm evaluated the claim, providing after medical documents for the accomplished imaging studies and notes from therapy sessions. In their analysis, the provided forecasting of the patient’s progress and other therapy needed in the future.
Compensation: The winning settlement in this case was reached due to the patient suffering the most as a consequence. Apart from the medical attention given to them, it was also decided that money needs to go towards further surgeries and psychological problems.
Conclusion
For legal practitioners of clients suffering from Hemiplegia, the importance of understanding what Hemiplegia is cannot be overstated. Based on the complete evaluation of medical records, reports and professional assessments of other specialists, lawyers are provided with essential evidence to facilitate their clients’ lawyers in dealing with cases of extreme Hemiplegia. As such, lawyers do not have to sift through files to the extent of 1000 documents. It is, however important for every client to have his or her records evaluated in detail so that affording them the justice and the compensation they so desperately require becomes possible.
