Children with cerebral palsy display varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities. Ranging from mild to serious, these disabilities are hardships no family should have to bear alone. In addition to the hardship of simply dealing with a child with cerebral palsy, the financial burdens associated with the condition can prove to be astronomical. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer experienced in cerebral palsy in children lawsuits is a wise move any parent dealing with the condition should investigate as, depending upon the cause of the condition, you may have some legal solutions in the form of insurance payments or medical malpractice litigation that could assist you financially.
Medical Problems Associated with Cerebral Palsy in Children
Parents of children with cerebral palsy are subject to a number of associated medical problems that develop in a child with cerebral palsy. These problems can include such problems as
- Hearing loss
- Blindness
- Food aspiration (sucking of fluid and/or food into the lungs)
- Drooling
- Tooth decay
- Sleep disorders
- Gastroesophageal reflux (spitting up)
- Sleep Disorders
- Osteoporosis (brittle and/or weak bones
- Behavior problems
- Seizures
- Mental retardation
- Communication and speech impediments
Some problems that result from cerebral palsy in children can be attacked by obtaining ongoing therapies and with the use of devices like wheelchairs or braces. But, there is no cure for cerebral palsy, so not dealing with the condition is not an option for families affected by cerebral palsy in children. Resources for assisting cerebral palsy in children are expensive but worth the money to improve the quality of life for children suffering from the condition.
Help Available for Parents Dealing with Cerebral Palsy in Children
Various kinds of therapy are available to help a child with cerebral palsy achieve maximum potential in growth and development. Immediately upon diagnose of cerebral palsy, your child needs to begin movement therapy, as well as therapy in learning, hearing, speech, social development and emotional development. Sometimes surgery, mediation or braces are also helpful in the improvement of muscle function. For example surgery can repair scoliosis (curvature of the spine), dislocated hips, and other muscular problems; medication can sometimes help severe muscle spasticity.
Most times, children with cerebral palsy are assigned a team of professionals to help meet your child’s medical and emotional needs. This team could include psychologists, educators, nurses, social workers, and therapists, all expensive and financially draining. Consequently, if you think that your child’s cerebral palsy was the result of neglect or mistake on the part of another, you may have the right to sue that person or facility. Any financial assistance you can obtain will be of benefits to the long road ahead for your child.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may have the right to legally secure lifetime benefits. Cerebral palsy in children in Ontario caused by neglect or an accident during labor and delivery is an injury that may qualify for compensation.
