Cerebral Palsy Statistics

Cerebral palsy affects many children and families worldwide. Learning about the numbers behind this condition can help us understand how common it is and how it impacts people's lives. Let's explore some key facts and figures about cerebral palsy.

If your child received this diagnosis and you suspect they suffered a birth injury, you should consult a cerebral palsy attorney immediately. The legal network of Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance can connect you with the right legal professional for your situation.

How Many People Have Cerebral Palsy?

In the United States, about one in every 345 children has cerebral palsy. Around one million Americans of all ages are living with this condition. Worldwide, the numbers are even bigger. It's thought that about 18 million people around the globe have cerebral palsy. That's more than twice the population of New York City.

New Cases Each Year

Every year, doctors diagnose between 8,000 and 10,000 new cases of cerebral palsy in babies born in the United States. This means that for every 1,000 babies born, two or three of them might develop cerebral palsy.

Who Gets Cerebral Palsy?

Interestingly, cerebral palsy doesn't affect all groups of people equally. Boys are more likely to have cerebral palsy than girls. Also, it's more common in Black children than in white children. Babies who are born very small or too early have a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy.

Different Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are several types of cerebral palsy, and some are more common than others. The most frequent type is called spastic cerebral palsy. About six or seven out of every ten people with cerebral palsy have this type. It makes muscles stiff and hard to move.

Other types of cerebral palsy are less common. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy, which causes uncontrolled movements, affects about three out of every 100 people with cerebral palsy. Ataxic cerebral palsy, which makes it hard to balance and coordinate movements, affects about two out of every 100 people with the condition.

Other Health Issues

Many kids with cerebral palsy also have other health problems. For example, about four out of every ten children with cerebral palsy also have epilepsy, which causes seizures. Nearly half of the people with cerebral palsy have trouble learning or understanding things as quickly as others. Some children with cerebral palsy also have autism, which affects how they interact with others.

The Cost of Care

Taking care of a child with cerebral palsy can be expensive. On average, the medical costs for these children are about ten times higher than for kids without cerebral palsy. They often need special equipment, therapies, and frequent doctor visits.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy can happen for different reasons. Sometimes, it's due to problems during pregnancy or birth. Other times, it might happen because of an injury to a baby's brain soon after they're born.

In some cases, cerebral palsy might be caused by mistakes by doctors or nurses during pregnancy or childbirth. These mistakes are called birth injuries or birth trauma. Hospitals can also sometimes be responsible for cerebral palsy. If a baby gets an infection while in the hospital (called a hospital-acquired infection), and it's not treated quickly, it can lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy.

Sometimes, cerebral palsy happens because doctors don't address issues with labor and delivery quickly enough, allowing the child to remain under undue stress. They might also misdiagnose a condition, leading to the wrong treatment that does not protect the child's well-being. This can happen in busy places like the emergency room (ER), where doctors have to make quick decisions.

Getting Legal Help After a Diagnosis

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it's important to focus on getting them the right medical treatment. This might include physical therapy to help with movement, speech therapy to help with talking, or occupational therapy to help with everyday tasks.

You should also think about talking to a lawyer. Why? Because if your child's cerebral palsy was potentially due to medical malpractice, you might get compensation to cover the costs of their care. Never wait to consult the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance network to learn about the right cerebral palsy attorney to help your family.

A lawyer can look at your child's medical records and figure out if someone made a mistake that led to cerebral palsy. They know how to spot signs of negligence, which is when someone doesn't do something as carefully as they should. Specifically, medical negligence happens when a doctor or another medical professional fails to conduct themselves in line with the prevailing standard of care for the profession.

Lawyers who handle these kinds of cases usually work on a contingency fee. This means you don't have to pay them upfront. Instead, they only get paid if they win your case.

If your lawyer finds that someone's medical error caused your child's cerebral palsy, they can file a personal injury claim. This is a manner of asking for money to help pay for your child's medical care, therapy, and other needs. The money you might get is called damages.

Remember, the goal of talking to a lawyer isn't to blame anyone. It's to make sure your child gets the best care possible. If someone's mistake led to your child's cerebral palsy, that person or hospital should help pay for the extra care your child needs.

Cerebral Palsy and the Law

Sometimes, cerebral palsy occurs due to natural causes that no one can prevent. But other times, it happens because someone made a mistake. This might be a doctor, a nurse, or a hospital.

If you think your child's cerebral palsy might have been caused by a medical mistake, it's a good idea to talk to a lawyer. They can explain your rights and options.

A lawyer who knows about medical cases can examine your child's medical records. They can spot signs that something went wrong during pregnancy, birth, or right after birth. They know what kinds of mistakes can lead to cerebral palsy.

If a lawyer finds evidence that someone's mistake caused your child's cerebral palsy, they can take legal action against liable parties seeking compensation to cover your child's care.

The money you might get from a claim can cover things like:

• Medical treatments - Your attorney will review all the medical bills you already received and consider the treatment your child will need in the future. You should seek compensation for all past and future medical expenses relating to your child’s CP.
• Physical therapy - Often, children with cerebral palsy require ongoing physical or occupational therapy to engage in everyday tasks or learn how to perform sports or a job. 
• Special equipment your child might need - If your child requires a wheelchair or other mobility aids, you should seek compensation to cover the equipment and necessary future replacements. 
• Home modifications to make your house easier for your child to use - Many people modify their homes or cars to accommodate for a wheelchair or a family member with reduced mobility, and these changes can be expensive. 
• Pain and suffering - Cerebral palsy can cause physical pain, as well as emotional struggles for your child. They can seek non-economic damages through a claim to compensate for the intangible losses they suffered due to a birth injury and CP. 

Remember, filing a claim isn't about blaming anyone. It's about making sure your child gets the care they need. If someone's mistake led to your child's condition, it's fair for them to help pay for the extra care your child needs.

Talking to a lawyer can seem stressful, but it doesn't have to be. You can begin by speaking with the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance. Then, one of our compassionate lawyers in our network will listen to your story and identify your options. They can guide you through the process and fight for your child's rights.

Cerebral Palsy and Medical Mistakes

While many cases of cerebral palsy happen for reasons no one can control, sometimes it's caused by mistakes made by doctors or hospitals. These mistakes can happen during pregnancy, during birth, or soon after a baby is born.

For example, if a baby doesn't get enough oxygen during birth, it can lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy. This might happen if the doctors don't react quickly enough when a baby is in distress or if they misuse implements to assist with delivery. Failure to monitor a mother and child’s vital signs can also cause doctors to miss medical issues, leading to oxygen deprivation of the infant.

Sometimes, cerebral palsy can be caused by surgical errors. Medication errors can also lead to cerebral palsy. Hospitals can sometimes be responsible for cerebral palsy, too. If a baby gets an infection while in the hospital and it's not treated quickly, it can lead to brain damage. Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose conditions are also common causes.

If you think your child's cerebral palsy might have been caused by a medical mistake, it's important to talk to a lawyer who knows about these kinds of cases. They can look at your child's medical records and figure out if someone made a mistake that led to cerebral palsy.

A lawyer can determine the appropriate course of action. If they find that someone's mistake caused your child's cerebral palsy, they can identify the best course of action to seek justice for your family.

Remember, the goal of talking to a lawyer isn't to blame anyone. It's to make sure your child gets the best care possible. If someone's mistake led to your child's cerebral palsy, that person or hospital should help pay for the extra care your child needs.

Getting Help for Your Child

If your child has cerebral palsy, the most important thing is to focus on getting them the care they need. This usually includes regular doctor visits and different types of therapy.

Physical therapy can help your child get stronger and move more easily. Speech therapy can help if your child has trouble talking or swallowing. Occupational therapy can help your child learn to do everyday tasks.

Your child might also need special equipment, like braces to help them walk or a computer to help them communicate. All of this can be expensive, so getting all the help you can is important.

If you think your child's cerebral palsy might have been caused by a medical mistake, talking to a lawyer can be a good idea. A lawyer can determine your options and fight for your child's rights.

A lawyer who knows about medical cases can look at your child's medical records and spot signs that something went wrong. They can seek compensation to pay for your losses, including your child's future care.

Remember, lawyers handling these cases usually work on a contingency fee. This means you don't have to pay them unless they win your case. Then, they get a percentage of the money they win for you. You have nothing to lose by learning about your legal rights and options to protect your family and your child.

Talking to a lawyer doesn't mean you're blaming anyone. It just means you're trying to ensure your child gets the best care possible. If someone's mistake led to your child's condition, it's fair for them to help pay for the extra care your child needs.

Don't Hesitate to Talk to a Cerebral Palsy Attorney

Living with cerebral palsy can be hard, but many people with this condition live happy and successful lives. Children with cerebral palsy can go to school, make friends, and even play sports with the right support and care.

If your family is dealing with cerebral palsy, remember that you're not alone. Many resources and people can help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

And if you think your child's cerebral palsy might have been caused by a medical mistake, don't hesitate to talk to a lawyer by contacting the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance for assistance. The right attorney will support your family throughout the process.