Most expectant parents are excited to welcome their child into the world. And although many questions often arise during pregnancy, parents rely on trained medical professionals to ensure the arrival of their healthy baby.
A cerebral palsy diagnosis can be a devastating shock to any new parent. Noticing a lack of age-appropriate muscle strength or developmental delays in your infant can be heartbreaking. In addition to the difficulties your child will face throughout their life, the expenses you may incur for their treatment can create added stress. Here are some resources that can ease the challenge for you and your child.
Assistive technology
CP is one of the most common birth injuries in the United States. Although the disorder affects children differently, the limited mobility your son or daughter will likely experience may require the aid of a variety of assistive devices.
Depending on your child’s physical abilities, they might benefit from a:
- Walker: Like any other child, your son or daughter will probably want to move around, play and interact with others. A walker can help your child maintain their balance and minimize fatigue while allowing them the opportunity to engage their muscles.
- Wheelchair: Whether motorized or manual, a wheelchair that your child can control may increase confidence as your child develops self-sufficiency and learns to navigate their surroundings independently.
- Stander: Children with CP tend to experience limited mobility. However, a stander can encourage them to bear weight in their legs.
These pieces of assistive equipment will need to be replaced through the years, as your child outgrows them.
Legal recourse
Although each pregnancy is different, it’s possible that your child experienced neurological complications as a result of medical malpractice. Sometimes doctors overlook concerns—dismissing pain, discomfort or test results which could indicate a delivery risk. You might be able to hold your doctor accountable for negligence that led to your baby’s birth injury and subsequent disabilities.
Throughout their lifetime, you could anticipate spending roughly $1 million on additional medical expenses for your child with CP. Therefore, holding a provider accountable for negligence during your pregnancy or delivery may be the best way to provide the care your child needs. It’s worth consulting with a medical malpractice attorney about your situation to understand whether you have a case.