Cerebral palsy is a birth injury caused by partial oxygen deprivation to the brain of the fetus. It can be the result of medical malpractice at numerous points during the birthing process. While the financial cost of raising the child is not a parent’s first thought after a birth injury, it is, unfortunately, something they must consider.
A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses the economic impact on families who have a child with special needs. Of these families, 40 percent reported that raising a child with special needs caused them financial hardship. Additionally, in 40 percent of families with a child who has special needs, a wage-earning family member had to stop working in order to provide care for the child.
Lost income and benefits is a serious financial issue for any family. For families raising a child with special needs, however, it is even more devastating. A study by the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities shows that children with cerebral palsy have medical expenses that are 10 times higher than children without cerebral palsy.
In addition to the medical costs, there are related expenses that many parents do not realize they will incur. A child with special needs may require adaptive equipment such as furniture, toys, strollers, bathroom accessories, lifts, eating and drinking aids, and learning tools. The family’s home and vehicles may also need modifications to make caring for the child possible.
Even with health insurance, paying for these items and the child’s medical bills will likely be a struggle for most families. If negligence or medical malpractice caused your child’s cerebral palsy, speak with an attorney about the current and future needs of your family and the possibility of compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess your case and explain your rights.
