Can a CP Birth Injury Case Cover Adaptive Equipment?

 Posted on February 11, 2025 in Cerebral Palsy

As the most common childhood motor disability, cerebral palsy(CP) is a brain disorder that affects muscle control. It can cause speech, vision, intellectual, and hearing impairments. Although some cases of CP are genetic, others result from birth injuries and are, therefore, preventable. While the symptoms differ and can change throughout life, there is no cure for cerebral palsy.

Various adaptive equipment and technologies may be required to help those with CP. The costs of these aids can be extremely high, but if your child’s CP resulted from negligent medical care, a skilled Chicago, IL birth injuries lawyer can help you seek monetary compensation.

What Impairments Can Cerebral Palsy Cause?

Children with CP may be unable to hold their heads up, move their arms, or walk due to muscle weakness and lack of control. Some cannot control their mouth muscles, making speech difficult or impossible. Eating and drinking can be challenging, and taking care of daily needs like bathing and dressing is also often problematic.

Children with severe CP may never be able to care for themselves fully, requiring round-the-clock care from parents or others. However, adaptive technologies and equipment can often help those with milder cases to be more independent.

What Adaptive Aids Are Available?

Depending on your child’s particular issues, one or more of these devices or technologies may be useful:

• Specialized computer, tablet, and phone keyboards and interfaces

• Digital communication devices

• Mobility devices such as specialized power scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, orthotic boots, and gait trainers

• Toilet and bathing chairs

• Adaptive eating utensils and craft equipment, like scissors

• Eye-tracking software

Your child’s medical team can recommend specific adaptive options based on his or her needs. As your child grows, new adaptive solutions may be necessary.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

If medical negligence caused your child’s CP, you can file a medical malpractice claim. Your eligible damages should include current and future medical expenses, including the costs of adaptive technologies and equipment. Other financial losses might be incurred by the cost of caregivers or your time away from work. You may also receive compensation for your emotional and mental anguish.

The liable insurance company may try to offer a fast settlement, but the amount will probably be intentionally low. You need to work with a birth injury lawyer who understands CP and the many expenses it can incur long into the future. Accepting a low settlement offer could leave you without a way to pay for necessary aids later in your child’s life.

Consult a Knowledgeable Cook County, IL Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

When a medical provider’s preventable error causes CP, a trusted Chicago, IL birth injury attorney from Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. can help you pursue the full compensation you are entitled to. Reach out online or by calling 312-462-4200 today to arrange your complimentary case review.