Birth Defects Are An Expense Many Families Struggle To Afford
Posted on: 18 May 2020
A child who is born with birth defects will be more expensive to raise and care for than a child who is not. The initial hospital costs are astronomical. A child with Down syndrome can cost significantly more to raise than a child without Down syndrome.
The Cost of Birth Defects
There are various services that children with birth defects need. They may require special braces, a wheelchair, physical therapy, speech therapy, hearing aids, diagnostic tests, extra medical care, and special education services. All of these are very expensive, and you may also be forced to care for your child while forgoing a higher income.
There is public assistance for those who have a child who is suffering from a birth defect. The first place to look for assistance is the Social Security Administration. However, the benefits you receive may not be enough.
Causes of Birth Defects
While some birth defects are unavoidable, others are a result of hospital neglect. You may have not received adequate prenatal care. You may not have been properly informed about the common causes of birth defects and what you can and cannot eat while pregnant. You may have been kept on a prescription medication that is known for causing birth defects. There are also injuries that can occur during the birthing process.
One of the most common causes of a birth defect is the forceful use of birthing instruments. The improper use of forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery can lead to brain damage and nerve damage.
Another mistake that can lead to a birth defect is a delayed birth. This occurs can lead to the infant not receiving enough oxygen, which can lead to all sorts of injuries including brain damage. Regardless of the cause of the birth defect, you may not notice these effects until days or weeks afterward. However, as soon as you believe your child is suffering from a birth defect, you will want to contact a birth defect attorney to consider filing a medical malpractice claim.
Seeking Compensation
Birth defect cases, and medical malpractice cases in general, can be very complex. You will need assistance from an expert witness who will be able to explain how the actions taken were outside the scope of reasonable care and that these actions contributed to the birth defect that your child is suffering from. You'll also likely have a lot on your plate, and a birth defect attorney can help handle your case for you so you can focus on other things.
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