Due to the rising rates of brain birth injuries, states like Kansas are amending Medicare and Medicaid Services to include brain injury services to children ages birth to 16 years. Many other states are starting to follow suit, too.
Consequences of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are serious. If you think your child may be the victim of a birth injury, it’s important to track what your child’s symptoms are and to consult a doctor as quickly as possible. Some of the long-term consequences of a birth injury can be lessened the quicker medical attention is received.
Birth injuries may also lead to additional medical issues, including:
- A long-term decrease in strength and stamina
- Decreased and/or lack of nerve sensations
- Cognitive impairment
- Emotional impairment
- Failure of bones to thrive and develop correctly
- Osteoarthritis and joint dysfunctions
- Emotional and psychological problems
Subtle Signs of Birth Trauma
Many school psychologists are familiar with the not so visible signs of birth injuries. Warning signs include vision, hearing and autism concerns. The psychologist will recommend a variety of tests and therapies to identify issues. The main test would be an IQ test. These scores range from 30 to 150s. After the test, the therapist could recommend a variety of therapies to help. These include long-term memory aids, verbal comprehension, visual-spatial help and processing speeds. These therapies can become expensive.
Rise of State Programs Helping Children with Brain Birth Injuries
Not all state agencies include brain injuries in their Medicaid or Medicare programs. Kansas will only be the 14th state to offer help to parents. In August, lawmakers approved the inclusion of brain injuries for children aged birth to 16.
Costs Associated with Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are often lifelong complications that require consistent medical treatment and rehabilitation. Depending upon the severity of the injuries, the financial costs associated with birth injuries are expensive. They can range from several thousand to over a million during the lifespan of a child with birth injuries.
The CDC also estimates the lifetime costs associated with a child who has cerebral palsy (CP) is around $1 million. The costs associated with a child who suffers hearing loss after a birth injury typically ranges around $400,00.
Therefore, it is important to remember that if your child’s birth injuries are a result of medical negligence and carelessness, the medical staff, hospital, and/or physician may be liable for damages. A complex litigation attorney can help. At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, our lawyers have decades of experience helping injured people get justice and full compensation for injuries caused negligence. Also, the Michel Brady Lynch Firm regularly takes on the largest corporations in the world with a track record of proven success and results. Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today, and our attorneys will review your case for free and help you protect your rights. For your complimentary consultation, call our office now.