Speak with a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
A birth injury has immediate physical, emotional and financial consequences for everyone involved. The mother, newborn, and entire family can all suffer unimaginable pain and heartache if a physician’s error or delay somehow harms a newly beginning life. However, even if the injury is treated immediately and diligently, the effects of a doctor or nurse’s negligence can last a lifetime.
Birth Injury Effects on the Mother
Although the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common for many mothers immediately after birth, one study found that up to 6 percent of mothers continue to exhibit the symptoms long enough to justify a full diagnosis of the disorder. Signs of PTSD include:
- Persistent memories of the event that manifest as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks
- Emotional withdrawal and isolation
- Unexplained irritability, anger or difficulty sleeping
- The above symptoms lasting longer than a month
Some states require that insurance companies let beneficiaries use their policies to cover the cost of treatment for mental health problems. However, many states do not have this requirement, meaning that affected mothers may have to pay for psychological care out of their own pockets. The ultimate combined cost of therapy and lost wages can result in a lifetime loss of tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention the immense emotional toll on the family and friends of the mother.
Birth Trauma Effects on the Child
In addition to the physical consequences of a birth injury, affected children may have to deal with the psychological trauma that accompanies bodily harm. They may be more prone to anxiety and anger, and they may face difficulties reaching emotional maturity.
Beyond the initial medical treatments for the injury, children may also need:
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Educational assistance and tutoring
These can significantly increase the emotional and financial costs of a birth injury. Many families may find their financial resources overwhelmed by the expenses of ongoing treatment and therapy. The CDC estimates that a person living with cerebral palsy will suffer up to $921,000 in direct economic losses compared to someone living without the condition. Indirect costs result in an ultimate lifetime cost of $4.6 million dollars.
If You Have Been Affected by a Traumatic Birth that Caused You or Your Child Injury
Contact our birth injury attorneys if you or your newborn were affected by cerebral palsy or any kind of birth injury due to medical negligence. You may have a long journey ahead of you, but you do not have to face it alone. Our cerebral palsy attorneys offer qualified and experienced legal assistance to families suffering from the long-term consequences of negligent health care providers.
