Cerebral Palsy Financial Help for Affected Families
Cerebral palsy is a range of disorders affecting movement and balance, caused by damage or abnormal development in the brain. In some cases, this brain damage may be linked to negligent medical care.
If your child's cerebral palsy was caused by negligence during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after birth, filing a legal claim may provide financial compensation to help cover the costs of lifelong care.
Cerebral palsy financial help can help with expenses like:
- Assistive technology, communication devices, and mobility equipment
- Home and vehicle modifications for accessibility
- In-home nursing or personal care attendants
- Lost income from missing work and your child’s reduced ability to earn a living
- Medical treatment, surgeries, and specialist care
- Pain and suffering endured by your child and your family
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
While each case is unique, the average cerebral palsy settlement is approximately $2.5 Million, giving families peace of mind about meeting their children’s needs.
In addition to settlements, families may also be able to access financial support through grants and government benefits. Compensation can’t undo the harm your child has experienced, but it can help provide the resources needed to access the best possible care and improve their quality of life.
A cerebral palsy attorney at Sokolove Law can review your family's situation, determine whether malpractice may have played a role, and explain your potential options for compensation.
Cerebral Palsy Financial Help for Medical Malpractice
Cerebral palsy is sometimes directly linked to oxygen deprivation or physical trauma during delivery. In many cases, a properly trained medical team should be able to prevent these situations.
When a doctor, nurse, or hospital is responsible for a child’s brain injury, that might constitute cerebral palsy medical malpractice. Under those circumstances, you may be able to get cerebral palsy financial help by pursuing a legal claim.
You may be able to file a cerebral palsy lawsuit if a health care provider:
- Failed to monitor fetal heart rate and recognize signs of distress
- Delayed an emergency C-section when the situation called for one
- Used forceps or a vacuum extractor improperly during delivery
- Failed to diagnose or treat a maternal infection that affected the baby
- Did not respond appropriately to a prolapsed umbilical cord or placental abruption
- Failed to treat oxygen deprivation after birth, resulting in a brain injury called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Left jaundice untreated, leading to permanent brain damage known as kernicterus
“If your child is showing concerning symptoms after a difficult birth, you do not need to know exactly what went wrong before asking questions. An experienced nurse can help you talk through what happened.”
– Andi Lowe, Registered Nurse with Sokolove Law
Sokolove Law has registered nurses on staff who can listen to your story, review what happened during your child's delivery, and help determine whether your family may have a case — at no cost to you.
Our Cerebral Palsy Compensation Claim Amounts
For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has successfully handled cerebral palsy compensation claims for clients nationwide, recovering more than $1.1 Billion total for families impacted by birth injuries.
A few of our cerebral palsy settlements and verdicts include:
- $16.5 Million to a child in Wisconsin
- $10.5 Million for a Missouri family
- $8.8 Million to an Ohio family whose child experienced severe fetal distress
- $8 Million for a family in North Carolina
- $7.8 Million to a Florida child who was injured at birth
- $6.5 Million for a Washington child who was deprived of oxygen due to a delayed delivery
- $9 Million for the family of a 5-year-old in Colorado
- Over $10.4 Million to a Pennsylvania family
“I never would’ve thought a mistake could change my daughter's life, but it did. She has CP and uses a feeding tube. I loved my doctor and was hesitant to call a law firm, but I’m so glad I did. Sokolove Law helped me understand what happened, and now my daughter is taken care of.”
– Parent of a Child with Cerebral Palsy & Firm Client
Most cerebral palsy malpractice cases are resolved through settlements, which can be a faster way to recover compensation than going to court. However, attorneys at Sokolove Law are also prepared to fight on your behalf in a trial.
Talk to our team at Sokolove Law about pursuing a cerebral palsy compensation claim. We can fight for everything your family deserves.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if your family may qualify for a CP lawsuit settlement. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Options to Get Financial Support for Cerebral Palsy
Families affected by cerebral palsy may be able to access several sources of financial support, depending on your family's income, your child's level of disability, and whether medical negligence played a role in their diagnosis.
Financial support for cerebral palsy includes:
- Cerebral palsy compensation from a lawsuit
- Grants from nonprofit organizations or government agencies
- Insurance claims through a private health insurance carrier
- Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children with disabilities
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for monthly financial assistance
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for adults who meet certain criteria
A successful cerebral palsy lawsuit may provide substantial compensation to help with your child's current and future needs, including medical treatment, therapy, assistive equipment, and other expenses related to their condition.
Government assistance programs may have income limits, medical eligibility requirements, or other criteria families must meet to qualify. Learn more about the types of cerebral palsy financial help you may be able to access.
Cerebral Palsy Compensation from Legal Claims
Families whose child's cerebral palsy was caused by negligent medical care may be able to file a birth injury lawsuit. Compensation from a lawsuit can be used for virtually every cost your family faces, including health care, physical and occupational therapy, and assistive devices.
Unlike some government aid programs, cerebral palsy legal compensation isn't capped by limits based on your income or assets. Payments can be structured to meet your child’s needs for years to come.
Factors that can affect cerebral palsy compensation include:
- Any state laws that might limit how much you can receive
- Evidence showing that medical errors contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy
- How much you expect to spend on medical bills, therapy, and other care
- How severely your child was harmed and their long-term health outlook
- The income you and your family will lose due to your child’s care needs
“Cerebral palsy compensation payouts can give your child access to therapies and medical care that improve their quality of life and long-term health. With proper treatment and planning, many children with cerebral palsy can live long, fulfilling lives surrounded by the support they deserve.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
Every state sets a deadline known as the statute of limitations for filing a cerebral palsy lawsuit. This window may be as short as 1 year from the date the injury occurred, so it’s important to move quickly to explore your legal options.
- Determine if malpractice took place
- Find out about treatment options
- See if you qualify for compensation
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Cerebral Palsy Grants
There are cerebral palsy grants for adults and children that can help cover expenses insurance may not fully pay for. Cerebral palsy grants typically don’t need to be repaid.
Many grants are offered by nonprofit organizations, charitable foundations, and state or local programs. Eligibility requirements vary. Some grants are based on financial need, while others focus on a child's medical condition, age, or specific equipment or services they require.
Cerebral palsy grants for adults and children include:
- Adaptive equipment grants for wheelchairs, communication devices, walkers, and other assistive technology
- Educational grants that support specialized learning programs or assistive educational technology
- Home and vehicle modification grants to improve accessibility and independence
- Medical and therapy grants to help pay for physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Recreational and camp grants that help children participate in adaptive sports, camps, and enrichment activities
- Respite care grants that provide financial assistance for temporary caregiving services, giving families a chance to rest and recharge
Applying for multiple grant programs can increase your chances of receiving assistance. A social worker, hospital case manager, or local disability advocacy group may also be able to help identify grant opportunities and guide you through the application process.
Grants can be a valuable source of financial assistance for cerebral palsy, but they often provide limited funds for a specific purpose. For example, the United Healthcare Children’s Foundation offers grants for children under 16 with CP, but a child can receive no more than $5,000 per year with a $10,000 lifetime limit.
Cerebral Palsy Insurance Claims
Insurance can help pay for treatments that improve health, mobility, and quality of life for a child with cerebral palsy. However, families are often responsible for deductibles, copays, and any services that aren't covered.
Because cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, it's important to understand in detail what your health plan includes and whether prior authorization or referrals are required for specialized care.
Cerebral palsy insurance claims may help cover:
- Diagnostic tests and imaging, such as MRIs and developmental evaluations
- Doctor visits with pediatricians, neurologists, orthopedic specialists, and other providers
- Durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and communication devices
- Home health or skilled nursing services
- Mental health services, including counseling for children and caregivers
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Prescription medications to manage symptoms such as muscle stiffness or seizures
- Surgery and hospital care, when medically necessary
If coverage is denied, families have the right to appeal many insurance decisions. A hospital social worker, case manager, or patient advocate can also help identify additional financial assistance programs when insurance doesn't cover the full cost of care.
Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can add up over time. The CDC estimated the lifetime medical costs for a person with cerebral palsy at about $1 Million. A legal claim may be a way to seek additional financial assistance if medical negligence was involved in your child’s CP. Our team at Sokolove Law can help you understand your options.
Medicaid Support for Cerebral Palsy in Children
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program for people with limited income and resources. Medicaid support for cerebral palsy in children can be vital to pay for ongoing medical expenses.
About 1.78 out of every 1,000 children enrolled in Medicaid have cerebral palsy, according to the Journal of Managed Care and Pharmacy. Their coverage may include a variety of medical services.
Medicaid coverage may help with costs including:
- Communication devices
- In-home nursing care
- Medications
- Medical supplies
- Psychological and behavioral services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Treatment programs
Eligibility for Medicaid depends mainly on family income, which must fall below a level that varies by state. In some cases, children classified as severely disabled may qualify at higher family incomes.
Kids from families with incomes too high for Medicaid may still qualify for coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
In most states, families can also apply for Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers to cover the costs of care and support for kids with cerebral palsy. These waivers can be used toward services such as home health aides, personal care, and respite care.
Each state sets its own rules for who can receive HCBS waivers. In many cases, eligibility is not based on total household income. That means kids with cerebral palsy may be able to access at-home care even if their parents don’t meet the income requirements for Medicaid.
Supplemental Security Income: Government Funding for Cerebral Palsy
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash assistance program available through the Social Security Administration. SSI provides a basic monthly income for people who can’t support themselves due to a disability.
Children may receive government funding for cerebral palsy care and their daily needs if they meet both disability and financial requirements. Currently, an individual may receive up to $994 in monthly SSI benefits.
Children with CP may be eligible to receive SSI benefits if they meet the following criteria:
- They have a medically confirmed physical or mental disability that severely limits their activities.
- The condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least a full year, or is expected to result in death.
- Their family’s monthly household income is lower than the Federal Benefit Rate, which is adjusted annually.
- They own cash and liquid assets worth less than $2,000.
Parents or guardians can apply for SSI on behalf of a disabled child under the age of 18 by contacting their local Social Security office.
SSI provides monthly support for families, but the benefits likely won’t address the full financial reality of raising a child with significant disabilities.
Disability Benefits for People with Cerebral Palsy
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limitations on their ability to work.
Eligibility for SSDI is based on work history, so children with cerebral palsy can only receive benefits under certain circumstances. If a parent receives SSDI, their child can qualify to receive Family benefits. This payment can be up to half of the parent’s benefit amount.
Adults over 18 with CP may receive Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits when a parent either dies or starts receiving disability or retirement benefits. These payments are available to people with disabilities that started before age 22. They must be unmarried and not have substantial income from work.
Finally, people with cerebral palsy may build up their own employment history. If they are no longer able to work due to a disability, they become eligible for SSDI benefits.
Get Cerebral Palsy Financial Support for Your Child
Programs like Medicaid, SSI, and grants can provide cerebral palsy financial support, but they weren't designed to compensate families for the harm caused by a medical professional's negligence.
If your child has cerebral palsy that may have been preventable, a lawsuit could provide resources that no government program can match. Those funds can be used however your family needs them most.
As a national cerebral palsy law firm, Sokolove Law has spent over 45 years fighting for families like yours.
Our team of experienced registered nurses can help you understand what may have happened during your child's delivery, and our cerebral palsy attorneys will handle every step of the legal process.
Call (800) 995-1212 right now or fill out our contact form to get started. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our team.
Cerebral Palsy Financial Assistance FAQs
How much can I get from cerebral palsy compensation claims?
The average cerebral palsy compensation claim payout is $2.5 Million. The value of any individual case depends on factors like the severity of your child's condition, the strength of the evidence for malpractice, and the current and projected costs of care.
Some cases involving severe, lifelong disabilities have resulted in higher settlements and verdicts, but there is no guarantee of compensation.
Contact Sokolove Law now to see if we can seek cerebral palsy compensation on your behalf.
How do I know if I qualify for cerebral palsy compensation?
If your child has cerebral palsy as a result of a birth injury shortly before, during, or after delivery, your family may qualify for significant compensation. Cerebral palsy compensation claims award around $2.5 Million on average.
Signs that malpractice may have occurred include a delayed or emergency C-section, signs of fetal distress that went unaddressed, improper use of delivery tools, or your child requiring intensive care immediately after birth.
You do not need to know for certain before reaching out. Sokolove Law has registered nurses on staff who can review the circumstances of your child's birth and help identify whether negligence may have played a role.
Can I pursue a lawsuit and still apply for Medicaid or SSI?
Yes. Pursuing legal compensation does not disqualify your child from applying for Medicaid or SSI. These programs have their own eligibility criteria based on income, assets, and disability status.
However, a large lawsuit settlement could affect your benefit eligibility based on income. Many families address that issue by working with their lawyer to structure their settlement and limit how much they receive each year.
A cerebral palsy attorney at Sokolove Law can help you understand how to protect your child's benefits while maximizing their compensation.
How long do I have to file a cerebral palsy compensation claims?
The deadline to file cerebral palsy compensation claims, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and can be as little as 1 year from the date of the injury. Waiting too long might mean missing out on your right to pursue compensation.
Contact Sokolove Law as soon as possible so your family's options remain open. We can help you understand how much time you have to file and ensure all deadlines are met.
What are the benefits available for people with cerebral palsy?
There is a wide range of benefits available to children and adults with cerebral palsy. Eligibility may depend on factors like household income, level of disability, and whether they were harmed through medical negligence.
Benefits available to people with cerebral palsy may include:
- Compensation from a lawsuit against negligent health care providers
- Grants offered by government agencies or nonprofit organizations
- Insurance coverage through Medicaid, CHIP, or a private insurance carrier
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for monthly financial assistance
National and local cerebral palsy organizations can help you learn more about the benefits available in your area and apply. Talk to our team at Sokolove Law about whether you could be eligible to pursue compensation by filing a legal claim.
Does Medicaid cover cerebral palsy?
Yes, children with cerebral palsy may qualify for Medicaid benefits. Medicaid can help cover expenses such as doctor visits, medications, medical equipment, certain therapies, and in-home care services.
Eligibility is primarily based on family income, though children with severe disabilities may qualify even if their parents don’t meet the income requirements in some states. Contact your local Medicaid office to find out if your child may be eligible.
Does insurance cover cerebral palsy?
Yes, if your child is enrolled in health insurance, it will likely cover much of their medical care. Depending on the policy’s details, you may have coverage for services like doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
However, you will be responsible for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and any services that aren't covered. Even with insurance, the costs of caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be high, which is one reason why many families decide to pursue a legal claim.
Do kids with cerebral palsy get SSI?
Yes, children with cerebral palsy may qualify to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To receive this monthly income, children must meet certain criteria for disability and financial need.
To receive SSI benefits, kids with CP must meet the following requirements:
- A medically confirmed physical or mental disability that severely limits their activities
- A condition lasting, or expected to last, at least a full year, or expected to be fatal
- A household income lower than the current Federal Benefit Rate, adjusted annually
- Cash and liquid assets worth less than $2,000
Parents or guardians can contact their local Social Security office to apply for SSI on behalf of a disabled child who is under 18 years old.
How much does SSI pay for a child with cerebral palsy?
Children with cerebral palsy who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may receive up to $994 a month, based on the current Federal Benefit Rate. The exact amount your family receives may be lower depending on household income and other resources.
SSI is adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. While SSI can provide meaningful monthly support, it is not designed to cover the full scope of costs associated with raising a child with significant disabilities.
Does a child with cerebral palsy qualify for disability?
Children with cerebral palsy can receive cash assistance through the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This need-based program is available to children and adults with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements.
Adults with CP who are unmarried and don’t have substantial earning from work can receive Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program when a parent dies or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits
In addition, adults with CP who have been employed and paid into the Social Security system may be eligible for SSDI benefits if they become unable to work.
What if my child has not received an official cerebral palsy diagnosis yet?
You may still be able to take legal action. Many families reach out to Sokolove Law before receiving a formal cerebral palsy diagnosis, particularly when there are clear signs that something went wrong during delivery.
Our team can begin reviewing your case and gathering medical records even without a confirmed diagnosis. An official diagnosis is not required to start the process. Contact Sokolove now for your free case review.
