Family Expenses
The average lifetime family expense associated with CP can be close to a million dollars. Children who have additional, associated disabilities, will cost more. Children with CP and intellectual disabilities, for example, can cost over $1 million. It is important to remember that each child is different and the necessities of their care will not be the same.
Economic Expenses
It is estimated that people with CP will lose $9.241 billion in total over their lifetime. This accounts for a loss of work, early mortality, and loss of work production. There is an additional $1.175 billion that is directed at medical expenses, and just over $1 billion for special education services. It leads to a total of $52 billion in average business and economic expenses for this group of people.
Financial Help
There is financial help for families who are caring for a child with CP.
- Health Insurance: This is a medical necessity. Health insurance may not cover all costs, but it certainly helps.
- Government Assistance: While health insurance covers medical costs, government assistance helps with the costs of living.
- Charity Assistance: There are a variety of groups that help people who have been affected by disorder and disability. These include United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), American Foundation of Disabled Children, and Easter Seals.
Caring for a child with cerebral palsy is expensive. The financial truths are not meant to turn these people into numbers, but are disclosed so that families can budget and plan accordingly. Financial stresses should not be a major factor in raising a special needs child.
If you believe that your child was affected by birth injury or trauma, please call our office. We have experienced lawyers who can help you. Your first consultation is free and we will advise you whether you have the potential to succeed in a court of law. Call now.
