For many San Diego couples, having a baby is an exciting event. These parents may spend hours dreaming of their new child’s future. At the Nield Law Group, we understand how devastating it can be if these parents are informed that their babies are disabled. It is especially heartbreaking when a child’s disability was caused by a physician’s error during the baby’s birth.
Brain injuries during birth may result in serious and lifelong conditions, including cerebral palsy. Caring for someone with cerebral palsy is costly. Children with the condition often require specialized care. This care may involve medical expenses and home care costs. In addition, home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps and the installation of special furniture, may be necessary.
According to a 2003 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the estimated lifetime cost of cerebral palsy is $11.5 billion. This amount represents expenses incurred by the condition throughout the United States. The CDC estimates that, per person, the lifetime cost average of cerebral palsy is $921,000. These figures attempt to account for both indirect and direct expenses.
The high costs associated with cerebral palsy and other mental retardation conditions are not easily shouldered by most parents. If a child’s condition is related to a physician’s error during the child’s birth, it may be possible to obtain compensation. These monetary damages may help to alleviate some of the financial burden created by the birth injury.
To learn more about receiving compensation for an error during labor, please take a look at our page on birth injuries.
