There are about 550,000 people with cerebral palsy in the U.S. About 9,750 new cases are diagnosed every year. According to the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) organization, 20% of cerebral palsy cases occurred during birth.
What are the symptoms for Cerebral Palsy?
The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age. Parents are often the first to suspect that their baby’s motor skills aren’t developing normally. Infants with cerebral palsy frequently have developmental delay, in which they are slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk.
Some of the symptoms for cerebral palsy include:
- Lack of muscle coordination (ataxia)
- Stiff or tight muscles (spasticity)
- Walking with one foot
- Leg dragging
- Walking on toes
- Crouched gait
- Scissored gait
- Stiff or floppy muscle tone
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, treatment can improve the quality of life for your child and help them overcome their disabilities.
According to research conducted by the Center for Disease Control, the average lifetime cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy is a staggering $921,000. If someone else’s mistake lead to both your child’s permanent disability and your family’s financial ruin, your family may be entitled to compensation for the care your child may need over his or her lifetime.
Don’t struggle to cover these costs without help.
Your child will require special care for years to come – from doctor visits, hospital stays, and therapy to assistive devices, home modifications, and vehicle modifications.
We are here to help you make it through this challenging time. Our birth injury law firm has a proven track record of success and a 30-year knowledge base. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Contact the Kiley Law Group for a free copy of Thomas M. Kiley’s child injury book: “Dealing with a Nightmare: The Essential Steps to Take When Your Child Suffers a Serious Injury.”
