At one point in time, many infants and children with cerebral palsy (CP) were not expected to survive far into adulthood. With modern medical advances and technologies, those with cerebral palsy have a far higher chance of living anywhere between 30 and 70 years of age.
If you have a child with CP, you may wonder what their life will be like when they reach adulthood and what challenges they may face. The reality is that the challenges an individual with CP will face as an adult will vary based on the type and severity of their condition.
Work Challenges
Depending on the severity of the condition, a person may be physically or mentally unable to perform certain jobs that would either allow them to live on their own, develop essential work skills, or be financially independent.
Physical Disabilities
A majority of individuals with CP have some form of physical disability that impacts their ability to do certain things independently, such as:
- Walk
- Shower
- Go to the bathroom
- Eat and hold utensils
Oftentimes, this requires the individual to have assistance from family members or a full-time nursing assistant.
Other Medical Conditions
Many individuals with CP will have some form of premature aging by the time they reach their thirties or forties. Developmental delays can keep the internal organs from growing to their fullest capacity. As much, their organs may have to work harder, leading to secondary conditions in the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.
Additionally, the condition often puts extra strain on their bodies, which can cause acute or chronic pain. This oftentimes affects the individual’s joints in the arms, legs, hips, and back.
Ensuring Your Family’s Future Is Protected
At Angel Law, we understand that a birth injury like cerebral palsy can have lifelong impacts on the individual as well as the parents and the entire family. Adulthood challenges can lead to financial costs as well as a loss of quality of life.
While no amount of money can negate the devastation of a birth injury, our firm is committed to assisting your family in pursuing justice and the compensation you need to heal. Let us take care of your family during these trying times so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact Angel Law at (503) 862-8666 to learn more about your legal options.