Understanding the Extensive Costs Associated with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a motor development disorder and learning disability that is often caused by medical malpractice during the birth delivery process due to a lack of oxygen flow to the brain. Treatment and care can easily run $1 million in addition to a person’s normal living costs. Some of the expenses are directly related to medical care, while others are related to indirect costs such as assistive devices and changes to the home structure. The $1 million cost is the Centers for Disease Control estimate from 2003. Today’s cost of care is substantially more.

There are some resources available, such as government benefits, interventional benefits, and nonprofit benefits; but these rarely put a dent in the enormous cost of care. When medical malpractice is the cause of cerebral palsy, a lawsuit is the best course of action. Hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers who are liable for injuries should pay for the pain, suffering, and medical bills necessitated by the harm they caused. Insurance often pays when healthcare providers are found liable or a settlement is reached.

Direct medical costs

The key direct medical expenses are the costs of:

• Doctor visits and visits to specialists
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Hospital stays for surgery
• Medications
• In-patient hospital visits
• Cost of diagnostic tests

The amount and regularity of the costs varies depending on how severe the cerebral disorder is.

Medical costs for CP children who also have intellectual disabilities

Almost one in two children who have cerebral palsy have a corresponding intellectual disability, such as ADHD or autism. Treating these conditions requires seeing neurologists and other doctors. Therapy for treating intellectual disorders can quickly add up.

Indirect expenses

Parents of children with CP need to also spend for items such as:

• Wheelchairs
• Mobility aids
• Security so the child doesn’t fall
• Changes to the family auto
• Adaptive shoes
• Personalized clothing
• Special education teachers and courses

Assistive devices and technology may also be required.

Children with CP may never develop the ability to make a living or to earn income. When jobs are available, they often require a cooperative employer who has patience and a caring heart.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be an option for those with cerebral palsy. It can help with income needs and medical expenses, but is rarely sufficient.

The South Carolina cerebral palsy lawyers at McGowan, Hood, and Felder, LLC, fight to get patients every dollar they deserve. As part of our demands, we work with your medical team and financial experts to determine how much medical care your child will need for each day of his/her life. For strong advocacy, please make an appointment with our lawyers by calling 1-803-327-7800 or completing our contact form.