When a Preventable Birth Injury Changes Everything, the Costs Shouldn’t Fall on You
When a birth injury occurs, the emotional toll is immediate—but the financial toll is enduring. Families are thrust into a world of specialized care, adaptive equipment, therapies, and decisions they never planned for. And when the injury was preventable—caused by negligence during labor or delivery—it adds insult to injury.
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we represent Oklahoma City families facing catastrophic birth injuries with life-altering consequences. We know what’s at stake, not just medically—but financially. And we fight to ensure your child’s future is not dictated by the size of your savings account, but by the full scope of the support they’ll need.
The Hidden Costs No One Warns You About
Hospitals may refer to an injury as a “birth complication” or “temporary delay.” But for many families, the reality is much more devastating. Conditions like cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or brachial plexus injury can result in:
- Lifelong medical expenses
- Permanent disability
- Full-time caregiving needs
- Educational barriers
- Lost parental income
These aren’t just theoretical possibilities. They’re real costs that come faster—and grow higher—than most families are prepared for.
A Lifetime of Expenses: What Families Really Face
Medical Care
Even with insurance, families often face crushing out-of-pocket expenses for:
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Hospitalizations
- Seizure monitoring
- Feeding tubes and related care
- Respiratory and mobility support
Therapies and Interventions
Children with birth injuries often require years—or decades—of:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Vision or feeding therapy
- Special education services
These therapies can cost thousands per month, and many are not covered by insurance or capped annually.
Adaptive Equipment & Home Modifications
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and gait trainers
- Orthotic devices (AFOs, splints)
- Shower chairs, transfer benches, stair lifts
- Accessible vehicles
- Home renovations for ADA compliance
These are not luxuries. They’re essentials—and they add up fast.
Lost Income & Caregiving Support
One or both parents may have to leave the workforce to become full-time caregivers. Families often spend more hiring respite care or nursing support than they earn.
And as your child grows, their needs may change—but the costs rarely go down.
The True Financial Picture
According to the CDC, the lifetime cost of care for a child with cerebral palsy can exceed $1 million—not including lost parental income or out-of-pocket educational support. For more complex injuries or co-occurring disabilities, that figure rises significantly.
And while financial aid may exist in the form of Medicaid, SSI, or local grants, these programs are limited, need-based, and often inconsistent. They’re not designed to provide lifetime coverage for a child injured by medical negligence.
Why Legal Action May Be the Only Path to Security
You should never have to choose between your child’s care and your family’s financial survival. When your child’s injury was caused by a preventable error, a medical malpractice case can provide the resources your family will need—not just now, but for a lifetime.
Our team works with:
- Life care planners
- Pediatric economists
- Medical experts
- Vocational rehabilitation specialists
Together, we build a full, detailed projection of what your child’s care will cost across their lifespan. We don’t guess—we document. And we make sure the court or the opposing party sees every dollar your child will need to thrive.
What a Settlement or Verdict Can Cover
A successful case can provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Therapeutic services
- Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
- Home modifications
- Loss of income for caregivers
- Educational accommodations
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Future needs and long-term security
In some cases, structured settlements or special needs trusts are created to ensure the funds are protected and available for your child’s entire life.
Why Oklahoma City Families Trust Van Wey, Metzler & Williams
We don’t just know the law—we understand the reality of life with a catastrophically injured child. We’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this path with dignity, clarity, and strength. Our team offers:
- Nationally recognized expertise in birth injury litigation
- Deep knowledge of the long-term needs children will face
- Compassionate, family-first communication
- Fearless representation against major hospitals and insurers
Founder Kay Van Wey has built a career on standing up for those most harmed by a broken healthcare system. For over 30 years, she’s helped families uncover the truth—and secure the future their children deserve.
This Isn’t Just About Compensation—It’s About Justice and Security
You didn’t ask for this. But you don’t have to face it alone. If your child suffered a preventable injury at birth, we will fight to ensure that the cost of that harm doesn’t fall on you. We’ll help you hold the right people accountable—and make sure your child’s needs are met, for life.
