Learning that your child has suffered a birth injury can bring worry, uncertainty and difficult questions about the future. Beyond concerns about your child’s health, you may face unexpected medical expenses, changes to your daily routine and the responsibility of arranging ongoing care. These challenges can affect not only your child but your entire family’s emotional and financial well-being.
How can a birth injury change your daily life?
Birth injuries linked to conditions such as cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy may require regular therapy or medical care. These needs can affect your work schedule and time with family.
You may also need help from relatives or friends with child care, household tasks or rides to appointments. Finding time for other family members can become harder.
Caring for your child can also bring stress or anxiety, especially when you don’t know how well they will recover. Some children need care for many years, while others improve with treatment.
What expenses might your family face?
Beyond hospital bills, a serious birth injury may create additional expenses, including:
- Physical and occupational therapy (help with daily tasks)
- Medicine and medical equipment
- Home changes, such as wheelchair ramps
- Travel costs for medical visits
As your child grows, some equipment may need to be replaced or adjusted. New care needs may also lead to more therapy or treatment.
These costs can add up, especially if your child needs care for years. You may also lose income if you work fewer hours to care for your child. Medical records, treatment plans and receipts can help show how much the injury has cost your family.
Can you seek compensation for a birth injury?
Not every birth injury results from medical negligence. However, if a healthcare provider’s failure to meet accepted standards caused your child’s injury, your family may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Under Illinois law, medical malpractice claims involving children generally must be filed within eight years of the alleged medical error. For birth injuries, this usually means filing before the child’s eighth birthday. Some exceptions may apply.
Why understanding future care costs matters
Your child’s needs may change as they grow, making future care costs hard to estimate. If medical negligence contributed to the injury, a medical malpractice attorney can help assess potential long-term costs, review medical records and explain whether your family may qualify for compensation.