NEWSWilliam Rothrock Addresses Financial, Emotional, and Social Challenges Involving Birth Injuries
Nov. 22 2024, Published 1:09 a.m. ET
For expecting mothers, the possibility of birth injuries and the challenges that come with it can be a point of concern. Approximately 7 out of every 1,000 live births in the United States result in some form of birth injury. This figure has remained steady over the years. Still, their impact can be lifelong and devastating.
Hypoxia is one of the most common birth injuries. This condition occurs when an infant’s brain is deprived of adequate oxygen during birth. Complications such as prolonged labor, issues with the umbilical cord, or maternal health conditions can lead to hypoxia. It’s significant to note that if the brain is denied oxygen for too long, the result can be severe developmental issues like cerebral palsy (CP), a motor disorder affecting movement and muscle tone.
Statistics show that about 10,000 born each year in the US will develop CP, with birth asphyxia (severe hypoxia) being one of the leading causes. This only proves that the consequences of hypoxia are long-lasting and need complex, ongoing medical care.
William Rothrock, the founder of Rothrock Settlement Consulting, has identified the hidden costs of birth injuries that many overlook, especially in cases involving conditions like cerebral palsy. He has been working with plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice cases for over two decades, gaining extensive experience that informs his observations.
The certified structured settlement consultant (CSSC) explains that these hidden costs can be categorized into three dimensions: financial, emotional, and social. The financial strain alone can be extremely challenging for families managing the various needs of a severely injured child. Professional care, specialized equipment, home modifications, and continuous medical interventions are necessary. “It’s like running an in-home ICU [intensive care unit],” he states.
Families might need to install lifts and modify the rooms within the house as the child grows. They might also have to hire medical professionals to provide care, train parents on tasks like tube feeding or catheterization, and manage other medical tasks. “All these costly expenses add up over time,” Rothrock says. “They can completely change a family’s financial landscape,”
In addition, parents usually don’t realize the full financial burden until after they’ve received a settlement. Rothrock warns that even a large settlement can quickly deplete and leave families without the resources they need for long-term care if they don’t manage it properly. Systemic issues such as healthcare disparities threaten to exacerbate this problem.
For instance, the closure of New York’s Medical Indemnity Fund (MIF) made matters worse for families already overwhelmed by the financial burden of birth injuries. The MIF was established in 2011 to help families with birth-injured children cover medical expenses. Its goal was to alleviate the strain on families and medical providers by covering the high costs of long-term care. Its closure made many families anxious about their future.
Looking into the emotional aspect, caregivers, specifically mothers, suffer from the intense emotional toll. Many mothers feel cast in a never-ending loop without respite. These women had to face childbirth trauma and later experience ongoing emotional distress of caring for a child with lifelong disabilities.
Rothrock states that activities like going to the salon or spending much-needed alone time become almost impossible when 24/7 care is needed. This stress can lead to burnout and mental health challenges. It can also result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has been linked to traumatic childbirth experiences.
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Besides the financial and emotional aspects, social isolation is another hidden cost. Not only mothers but sometimes entire families lose their social connections because caregiving responsibilities consume them. Going out, attending events, simply having leisure time, and other activities once shared with friends or the community become rare. Others might not grasp the severity of needing to provide constant vigilance and care, which can fracture relationships. “They feel alone, and no one can truly understand unless they’ve been through it themselves,” Rothrock explains.
Rothrock has a pivotal role in this complex landscape. He leverages his vast background in structured settlements and extensive finance knowledge to assist families make strategic decisions in managing their settlement funds. He tailors his advice to each family’s unique situation.
The industry expert also employs a holistic approach, as he understands that the focus isn’t only on managing finances but also on guiding families, especially mothers, through the emotional and social challenges brought by a birth injury. He helps them understand their needs and plan for short-term relief and long-term stability.
Rothrock encourages mothers and families to seek professional help as soon as they recognize their child has suffered a birth injury. He can help guide those who reach out early toward the right resources. This includes connecting them with experienced attorneys specializing in birth injury cases and providing financial advice long before reaching a settlement. Preparing early means families can avoid making ill-informed decisions that could hurt them in the long run.
Ultimately, the challenges tied to birth injuries extend beyond the immediate trauma of delivery. Financial, emotional, and social costs can burden families for years. However, experts like William Rothrock offer valuable guidance to prevent and address such concerns. Rothrock hopes to continue providing clients with financial expertise and insightful advice on how to find hope when circumstances seem overwhelming.
