One of the biggest ways you can help your baby or child with cerebral palsy (CP) is to stay on top of their care and act as their advocate. Depending on the type and severity of your child’s CP, you may need to coordinate with pediatricians, specialists, and a variety of therapists. You’ll also need to educate yourself about the options that are available to you.
As a special needs parent, I know how expensive it can be to get treatment for your child. A lot of the treatments my son needed also weren’t covered by insurance. There were also times when I wasn’t able to work at all because I was caring for my son, so we didn’t have health insurance at all.
Juggling the bills while you’re trying to care for your child can be frightening and exhausting. Luckily, there are financial options available that can help you bear your burdens.
If Your Baby’s Cerebral Palsy Was Caused by a Medical Mistake
Doctor’s errors, poorly trained or overworked staff, and missed diagnoses cause thousands of babies to be injured in the United States each year. Errors like applying too much force during a forceps delivery, or failing to catch a baby who is delivered rapidly, can lead to tragic consequences. When this happens, the parents and child can end up paying for someone else’s mistake for the rest of their lives.
According to Alabama Cerebral Palsy Lawyer, an attorney can help you pursue compensation that could allow you to cover the following CP-related expenses:
- Your medical bills
- Your lost wages
- Your therapy expenses
- Your child’s education
- Accessibility home remodeling
- Modifications made to your vehicle
The laws regarding personal injury and the statute of limitations are different in every state. You may want to consider reaching out to a lawyer where you live who can explain your child’s rights.
Other Resources for Coping With Cerebral Palsy
Not all injuries to a baby that occur during birth are the result of a doctor’s mistake. Unfortunately, some birth injuries, illnesses, and infections are not preventable. When this happens, parents can be left to cover a variety of expenses on their own. Keep reading to learn more about some of the other options that may be available to your family.
Cerebral Palsy Organizations
There are private and public organizations that are dedicated to providing assistance to eligible families whose lives have been affected by cerebral palsy. Two fantastic organizations are United Cerebral Palsy and Ability Found, which provides mobility equipment for those in need. These organizations may be able to help you cover the cost of any equipment your child needs.
Social Security Disability
If your child’s cerebral palsy has left them severely impaired, they are entitled to apply for presumptive disability benefits. These are advanced payments of SSI that can help you cover the costs of your child’s care. If your child has mild impairments, they will not qualify for SSI benefits.
Paid Caretaker Programs
Believe it or not, there are programs that actually pay family caregivers for their dedication. The programs that are available to you may differ from state to state. You may want to ask a personal injury lawyer who specializes in birth injuries or your doctors or therapists more about the options where you live.
Health Insurance
Health insurance for kids with cerebral palsy may be prohibitively expensive. Sadly, your child may be denied coverage if insurance deems their CP to be a preexisting condition. You may be able to qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if your household income falls within the program’s limits. If you have insurance, ask your provider what kind of treatments and equipment are covered under your policy.
Caring for a child with a serious disability can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Taking the time to look into the resources that are available to you and your child can free you up to spend more time enjoying your son or daughter instead of working and worrying.