A child living with cerebral palsy will require a lifetime of medical treatment and special education services.  Medical treatment may consist of physical therapy and surgeries.  Children may need to take medication to control involuntary movements or seizures.  Speech therapy, visual and hearing aid, and mobility aids may all be a necessary part of the child’s life.  For children that are affected by mental retardation or diminished mental capacity, educational services geared to their specific needs will be necessary as well.

While cerebral palsy presents many challenges to those individuals affected by cerebral palsy, the condition also poses many challenges to the parents and caretakers of these individuals.  Medical treatment and special services can become quite expensive, especially since these individuals will need most of these services throughout their lifetimes.  The average lifetime costs to provide these needed services for an individual with cerebral palsy is approximately half a million dollars.  This may be more money than most parents or caretakers will make in their lifetime.

Around two months after a child is born, parents may begin to notice abnormal development in their child.  As the child grows, milestones such as holding up their head without support, crawling, walking, and other basic tasks may be difficult for children with cerebral palsy.  These may be early signs that the child is not developing normally.  Because cerebral palsy stems from brain disorders, different parts of the body may be affected.

The affects of cerebral palsy will vary among individuals with the condition. Doctors usually do not officially diagnose a child with cerebral palsy until 2-3 years of age.  It is estimated that approximately 8,000 babies are born with cerebral palsy each year.  Additionally, approximately 1,500 children will be diagnosed with cerebral palsy as well.  While most physicians contend that cerebral palsy is a condition that is not the result of medical malpractice, other individuals, both inside the healthcare field and outside as well, disagree with this assessment.

Robinson and Associates is a law firm that has represented many families in both Maryland and Washington D.C. in medical malpractice lawsuits.  If you feel that your child’s condition may have occurred because of a healthcare provider’s mistakes, you may contact Robinson and Associates for a free consultation.  Cerebral palsy is a lifelong, crippling injury, and those responsible for the condition should be held accountable.