Uncovering the True Cost of Your Child’s Birth Injuries
It should come as no surprise that the costs of raising a child are considerable, but there are certain expenses that you look forward to and expect. From food and diapers at the earliest ages to college and sports later on, you have an idea of how to prepare. Your world is turned upside down if you’re hit with the news that your baby suffered birth injuries.
Financial considerations are the furthest thing from your mind as you deal with the emotional toll. However, there will come a point that you must come to terms with how a medical mistake becomes a staggering economic burden for your family. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the cost of raising a child with intellectual or developmental disabilities can be 25 times as much as those born without serious medical conditions.
When that time arrives, it’s critical to consult with a Florida birth injury attorney who can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. You may also find it useful to understand the true costs involved with birth injuries.
Expenses Related to Immediate Care
In the immediate aftermath of a birth injury, your infant may require extensive medical treatment just to stabilize his or her condition. Surgery is often necessary, and your baby may spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit. Not only will you incur costs for the hospital services and equipment, but there are additional expenses related to care and treatment from medical specialists.
Long-Term Direct Costs
Generally, your direct costs are those that you pay out-of-pocket or can show through invoices or receipts. When your child experiences a birth injury, the long-term direct expenses may include:
- Ongoing medical care from physicians and specialists
- Corrective surgeries and procedures
- Home health and nursing care
- Physical, behavioral, cognitive, and speech therapies
- Medical equipment, wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, and assistive devices
- Home renovations
- Vehicle modification
Indirect and Unforeseen Costs
There are also expenses that aren’t easy to define, but which still have a grave impact on your family. For one, many parents choose to provide basic care for their child at home. They’re unable to work or can only work part-time, leading to lost wages. Plus, a parent may give up professional and business-related opportunities in the future.
For the child, there are indirect costs as well. Your child’s enjoyment of life is affected by a birth injury that results in permanent impairment. He or she may also be limited from maintaining gainful employment, or may not be able to work at all. Plus, depending on the medical condition caused by the birth injury, there’s the potential for premature mortality.
Learn More by Consulting with a Florida Birth Injury Lawyer
If your child sustained birth injuries as the result of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both the direct and indirect costs. For more information on your legal remedies, please contact Freidin Brown, P.A. to set up a free consultation. We can meet with you at our offices in Miami or Fort Myers to discuss strategies for enforcing your rights.
Resource:
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5303a4.htm
