There are extensive resources and programs to help people affected by birth injuries. Some of these are run by governments, others are created privately.
Support Groups
The parents of children with birth injuries have a difficult road. Most of the parents we’ve had the privilege of representing are selfless and loving people who would give anything and do anything to provide the best life possible for their children. As psychiatrists and counselors have told us, however, that level of caring is only possible in the long run if the parents’ needs are being met, as well.
Support groups provide important benefits for parents—they give parents an outlet to vent their concerns about medical providers, child discipline, and bureaucratic red tape. They can provide a sense of belonging, and help parents to understand that they are not alone.
Many support groups can be found online (some actually take place entirely online) or by asking your doctor or hospital. Some examples of good support groups are:
- United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.
Medical Research
There are countless organizations which conduct extensive research to find cures, treatments, therapies and medicines for children with birth injuries. Many of these entities accept donations to continue their good work. Some of our favorites include:
- Kennedy Krieger Institute: based in Maryland and affiliated with Johns Hopkins, the Kennedy Krieger Institute performs extensive research and clinical trials to help children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities
- Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPI): CPI works on diverse projects, including understanding how injury occurs after a hypoxic event, preventing white matter injury, helping children with cerebral palsy to communicate, and helping children with cerebral palsy to walk.
- American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM): AACPDM takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians and researchers from numerous disciplines to help tackle the problems of cerebral palsy treatment, care and prevention.
Charitable Organizations
There are numerous charities that provide support and assistance to families of children with birth injuries. If you are looking for help, or looking to give money or other assistance, consider these organizations:
- United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
- Special Olympics
- The Arc (for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities]
- Catholic Charities Disabilities Service
Contact Us
If your child suffered from a birth injury and you want to know if it was caused by medical malpractice, contact our lawyers at (440) 252-4399 or send us an online message. We can help you to find answers to your questions.