Cerebral Palsy Financial Support Guide

The cerebral palsy lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. work closely with families who have been traumatized by the actions of careless doctors – actions that often result in cerebral palsy and other serious birth injuries. We understand how overwhelming things can be, especially when the costs keep piling up, and accordingly, we have prepared this cerebral palsy financial assistance guide to help you get the support you need. For further legal support, contact us today.

Average Living Costs for Someone with Cerebral Palsy

The average living costs for someone with cerebral palsy depend on the severity and type of cerebral palsy, however, parents of children with cerebral palsy can often incur medical costs that are ten times greater or more than those of parents of children without cerebral palsy.

In addition to medical costs, such as doctor visit copays, prescription expenses, and hospital bills, common expenses associated with cerebral palsy include:

• Assisted living
• Developmental assistance
• Home accessibility modifications
• Home health aides
• Lab and diagnostic tests
• Mobility assistance equipment
• Special education services
• Specialist expenses
• Therapy costs

The cost of care and loss of future earnings for a child with cerebral palsy can be exorbitant. Collectively, the total cost of future medical costs, the future cost of supportive care, and future loss of earnings can exceed $10 million.

It’s important to recognize that this estimate does not include out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages for parents who miss work, and certain other caregiving costs. In addition, this estimate will likely increase in the future, as inflation and the cost of living in the United States naturally increases over time.

New York Statute of Limitations for Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Claims

In some cases, children develop cerebral palsy as a result of birth injuries caused by medical malpractice. When this happens, the best way to obtain financial relief may be to file a lawsuit with the help of an experienced cerebral palsy attorney. Compensation from a cerebral palsy settlement can be used toward medical care, special education, living expenses, and other needs, including to reimburse lost future wages or diminished earning capacity of your child as a result of their CP diagnosis.

In New York, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is generally two years and six months, which means victims have 30 months from the date of the underlying medical malpractice to bring legal action. Although, the clock does not begin ticking for medical malpractice cases involving minors until the child’s 18th birthday, New York law mandates that the statute of limitations cannot be extended longer than ten years after the date of the alleged malpractice.

How to Pay Medical Care Costs for a Child With CP

The following organizations and programs work to provide grants for cerebral palsy patients and assistance to families of children with cerebral palsy:

• The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) – This organization provides grants and scholarships for children who have suffered strokes and hemiplegia, which are common among children with cerebral palsy.
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – This federal law was adopted in New York to provide free early intervention services, assessments, and educational resources to children ages 3 to 21.
• Medicaid and CHIP – Medicaid provides health insurance for families with limited income, while the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides benefits to families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid.
• UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) – This organization provides medical grants of up to $5,000 a year and up to $10,000 per lifetime for eligible applicants whose expenses are not covered by insurance.

Other Resources for Cerebral Palsy Assistance in New York

Other cerebral palsy resources from New York-based organizations that assist the families of those who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy include:

• Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State – This organization provides services and programs for those with cerebral palsy and assistance for their families, including day programs, early intervention, special education and family support services.
• New York State Early Intervention Program – This program provides access to therapeutic and support services for families of children under three years of age, including assistive technology, nursing and nutrition services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, specialized instruction, and more.
• INCLUDEnyc – This is New York’s leading provider of training and information for young people with any disability, including cerebral palsy. Their services include one-on-one assistance with special education, educational and employment training, family support, and special education, among others.

The costs associated with cerebral palsy are substantial, but there are many resources available to families who need assistance. If you suspect that your child developed cerebral palsy as a result of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation to help provide your child with the services they will need over the course of their life.

Please contact the top-rated NY medical malpractice attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. on Long Island to discuss the details of your situation and learn more about your legal options during a free and confidential case review today.