Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer Blog

The Following list of Hippotherapy Clinical Specialists compiled by the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.

If you are a specialist and would like to be added to our list please e-mail me your contact information at Robert@dioriofirm.com

The Law Offices of Robert A. D’Iorio, PLLC does not endorse or attest to the competence of any specialist.

HPCS - A therapist who carries the AHCB Board Certification in Hippotherapy. Hippotherapy Clinical Specialists names are followed by 'HPCS' on this list.
Level II Therapist - A therapist who has completed both Level I and II AHA Approved Courses who demonstrates clinical problem solving with respect to clinical reasoning, the Hippotherapy Conceptual Framework and application of the Disablement Model. They have clinical application of NDT, SI and Motor Learning within the hippotherapy treatment strategy.
Level I Therapist - A therapist who has completed the AHA Approved Level I Course who has gained the basic knowledge of the horse's movement and its application to patients with neuromuscular disorders. They have also gained knowledge of horse and patient selection, evaluation, treatment planning and business aspects.
** NARHA Registered Therapist

Alabama
Ellen Davis, OT, HPCS** edavis8836@bellsouth.net
Pelham, AL
Kristye Chastang, PT Level I PKChastang@aol.com
Bay Minette, AL

Alaska
Joann Schnellbaecher, OT** Level II jvschnell@yahoo.com
Anchorage, AK

Continue reading "Hippotherapy (Horse) and Cerebral Palsy" »

We are in the beginning stages of compiling a list of specialists that treat children with cerebral palsy. The Following is a list of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Centers. If you would like your center to be added to the list please e-mail me your contact information and I will add your Center to the list.

The Law Offices of Robert A. D’Iorio, PLLC does not endorse or attest to the competence of any specialist.

Ocean Hyperbaric Neurologic Center
4001 Ocean Drive
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308
Telephone: (800) 552-0255 or
(954) 771-4000 Fax: (954) 776-0670
Website: www.oceanhbo.com
Email: infor@oceanhbo.com

Raymond H. Cralle, RPT
525 N.E. 3rd Avenue
Suite 106
Delray Beach, FL 33444

www.CrallePhysicalTherapy.net
www.ORCCAHBO.com (under construction)
www.HopeSpringsInc.org

Chico Hyperbaric Center
1026 Mangrove Ave., Suite 10
Chico, CA 95926
Telephone: 1-888-324-6240
or (530) 899-9361 Fax: (530) 899-9841
Email: info@HBOToday.com

Hyperbaric Recovery & Rejuvenation Center
1370 Medical Center Drive, Suite C
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Phone: (707) 584-4325
Fax: (707) 584-7884

Pittsburgh Hyperbaric Institute
533 Washington Ave
Bridgeville, PA 15107
(412) 221-5788

Continue reading "Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Cerebral Palsy" »

We are in the beginning stages of compiling a list of specialists that treat children with cerebral palsy. The Following is a list of Audiologists. If you are an Audiologist that treats children with cerebral palsy and would like to be added to the list please e-mail me your name and contact information and I will add you to the list.

*The Law Offices of Robert A. D’Iorio, PLLC does not endorse or attest to the competence of any specialist.

Academy of Doctors of Audiology

1020 Monarch Street, Suite 300B
Lexington, KY 40513
Phone: (866) 493-5544 (toll free)
Fax: (859) 977-7441

Hearing Health Center (HHC)

Chicago
30 N Michigan Ave.
Suite 1429
Chicago IL 60602
312.263.7171

Continue reading "Audiologists and Cerebral Palsy" »

The term Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a term used to describe damage to the brain caused by lack of oxygen and lack of blood flow to the brain. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can cause a permanent neurological disorder and cerebral palsy.

This damage often occurs during birth, due to such problems as abnormalities in the placenta, placental abruption, uterine rupture, umbilical cord compression, umbilical cord prolapse, cord wrapped around the baby's neck, breech birth or high risk births.

The Apgar score was created by Dr. Virginia Apgar as a quick method to assess the health of a newborn at one and five minutes after birth. The test is based on skin color, heart rate, reflex irritability, muscle tone, and Respiration. Each criterion is given a score between 0 and 2 then added up to give a maximum possible score of 10.

Antepartum tests are test performed to determine the condition of the fetus and intrauterine environment and can recognize hypoxia and/or asphyxia. These tests include but are not limited to a biophysical profile, a contraction stress test, Doppler ultrasound flow testing, fetal movement counting, a non-stress test, the oxytocin challenge test and ultrasound test.

Several conditions may be present to necessitate antepartum testing. Examples of such are, hypertensive disorders (preeclampsia), diabetes, decreased or low fetal movement, oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels), slowed intrauterine growth, and pregnancies beyond term.

The Non-Stress Test (NST)

Generally, the non-stress test NST is the first test performed to determine the status of he fetus. It is based on the principle that when the fetus moves, its heartbeat usually increases. The NST evaluates fetal status by monitoring accelerations of the fetal heart rate in response to its own movements.

Biophysical Profile

The biophysical profile is an ultrasound that can supplement the NST. Here, the clinician checks, fetal tone and movement, breathing motions, and the amniotic fluid volume (indication of fetal stress) to assess the general health of the fetus. Then the four components of the test and the NST are given an individual score; 2 for normal (or present), 1 indicating decreased, and finally, 0 for abnormal. The maximum score is 10.

Contraction Stress Test (CST)

The CST is similar to the Non-Stress Test (NST), however, here the fetal heart Rate (FHR) is evaluated in terms of the response to contractions of the mother's uterus. Because it is more detailed and complicated then a NST, it is often used to confirm the results of an abnormal NST.

Selecting the right attorney for a child with cerebral palsy may seem like a daunting task at times. So I put together some questions to help.

If you would like further assistance, I am more then happy to recommend an attorney that specializes in birth injury cases in your area, so please don’t hesitate to call me directly at (202) 243-0581 or 1 (888) 456-4658 or send me an e-mail at robert@dioriofirm.com (please include your name, phone number, child’s date of birth, State where your child was born and State where you are currently residing)

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you,

Robert

1. Is the attorney familiar with the many medical and legal complexities of cerebral palsy?
2. Has the lawyer/attorney successfully handled cases involving cerebral palsy in the past?
3. If so, what percentage of the lawyer’s practice is dedicated to representing individuals with cerebral palsy?
4. Is the lawyer associated with any reputable law associations such as, ATLA/AAJ, Birth Trauma Legal Associations, etc?
5. Does the lawyer represent plaintiffs (injured party) or defendants (negligent party)?
6. What are the fees? Does the lawyer work on a Contingency fee basis?
7. Who pays the cost of expenses such as medical expert testimony?
8. Is there a charge for a legal fee if there is no recovery?
9. Who will be responsible for expenses if there is no recovery?
10. Will the lawyer explain the legal process and all aspects of your case to you?