The Financial Cost of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term, though it is commonly known as a birth injury that affects the brain and central nervous system of an infant. Cerebral palsy symptoms can include shaking or spastic limbs and lack of overall movement control. It is caused by damage to the brain, sometimes from a lack of oxygen during pregnancy or labor.

As there is no cure for cerebral palsy, the goal of treatments is to help the individual become as independent as humanly possible. Treatments and care can total $1 million or more over a lifetime.

Cerebral palsy is often treated by a team approach, which comprises a primary doctor, nurses, other medical staff and caretakers. Various therapists assist with speech, mobility, recreation, nutrition and mental well-being.

To alleviate problems in specific muscle groups, some cerebral palsy patients may undergo alternative therapies, including therapeutic (subthreshold) electrical stimulation for muscle strength.

Glasses, hearing aids and wheelchairs are sometimes needed for additional assistance. Select cases may require orthopedic surgery for particularly painful stiff joints or limbs. Severe cases could require additional surgeries to relieve pain.

The United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Foundation estimates that 10,000 infants are born annually with cerebral palsy. Families often need help in exercising their child's rights and to find means to pay for care. A cerebral palsy attorney may be able to help. A birth injury settlement may help defray the costs of cerebral palsy treatment and help to improve your child’s quality of life.

If you feel your health care provider acted with negligence during childbirth, or did not properly address warning signs during pregnancy, contact Sokolove Law at 800-568-7314, or for more information visit SokoloveLaw.com. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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