People dealing with medical malpractice predicaments are often confused. A New Jersey couple gives birth to a child, with all of the hopes and dreams that are attached to that experience. And, through the fault of a medical team, the baby is born with brain injury that results in cerebral palsy. In a situation of this sort, the family deserves the compensation that will allow them to care for their child –and to do so without the financial hardships that so many would face under these circumstances. And the child deserves compensation for the medical malpractice that has resulted in his situation.
Our job, at Gershon, Willoughby, Getz & Smith, LLC as doctors and lawyers trained to deal with medical malpractice in New Jersey, is to assist families in these situations. We assist families who have experienced a devastating medical malpractice situation in receiving the financial recoveries that they are entitled to – and that they need for their future. Our law firm determines if the cerebral palsy is due to a doctor or nurse’s mistake and we can work to create accountability for the terrible, preventable error that has occurred.
Here, we offer a wealth of resources to assist families in New Jersey to deal with their situation when their child is born with or diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another disability as a result of medical malpractice.
Resources for Children/Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
1st Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey
Since 1946, 1st Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey has been helping people with disabilities and special needs to become more active participants in their communities, leading more fulfilling and well-rounded lives. Using an individualized plan for education and therapy and a more holistic approach to treatment, the organizational emphasis is on nurturing so that the best possible outcome is obtained. The ultimate goal is to help children and adults achieve their ultimate potential. This pioneering organization can be contacted at:
1st Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey
7 Sanford Avenue
Belleville, NJ, 07109
973-751-0200
Advancing Opportunities/Cerebral Palsy Association of NJ
Getting together to support each other, families of children with cerebral palsy formed a group of “parent-advocates” sixty years ago. In 1950, this grass-roots group incorporated to become the United Cerebral Palsy Associations of New Jersey, Inc. Not long after, this group realized that they could lend a hand to people with a large variety of disabilities; they expanded their mission to include helping all those with disabilities and advocating for their improved medical and social opportunities. In 2001 the organization re-named themselves Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey, and became one of the original members of Disability Service Providers of America. Once again, in 2008 the name was changed to reflect the broad population represented, and the large variety of services available. The new name, Advancing Opportunities, well summarizes the goal and the mission of this well-established and comprehensive organization.
Advancing Opportunities/Cerebral Palsy Association of NJ
354 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 392-4004 (ext. 513); (888) 322-1918 (Toll Free)
Fax: (609) 392-3505
E-mail: info@cpofnj.org
Web: http://www.cpofnj.org
Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center
A pioneer in the area of children’s rehabilitation, the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center works with all children with special needs. Today, the Center helps over 250 families, accepting children and young adults from age 3 to 21. The mission of the Center is to provide the most opportunities for children to challenge themselves and grow physically as well as emotionally. The atmosphere at the Center is one of total acceptance while at the same time striving to meet each child’s maximum potential.
Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center
Clifton, NJ 07011
Phone: (973) 772-2600
Fax: (973) 772-5171
Web: http://www.passaiccountyelkscpc.org
Burlington County Cerebral Palsy Association (Githens Center)
The Githens Center provides high-quality educational and therapeutic programs for children and adults with disabilities. Comprehensive family support is also offered so that the individuals treated can reach their highest potential for development, growth and integration into the community. Among the services offered are adult day programs for adults 21 and over; after-school and emergency relief in the afternoons for school-age children; both individualized and group education for children ages 3-21 by qualified OTs, PTs and STs; and in-home and Saturday respite programs.
Cerebral Palsy League
An independent non-profit organization, the Cerebral Palsy League (CPL) is committed to giving excellent programs and services to individuals with disabilities of all kinds. The professional and highly trained staff are committed to providing educational, therapeutic, nursing and social service care for everyone from infancy through adulthood. In September of 2009 CPL opened a newly renovated school building on its Cranford campus. Here students are helped with the latest state-of-the-art technology and mobility training programs. The modern classrooms and enlarged therapy rooms make the center a welcoming place which can better serve its students. “Today, as in the beginning, The Cerebral Palsy League, Inc. is committed to the philosophy of helping people with developmental disabilities to obtain their optimal level of functional independence, while maintaining their highest possible quality of life.”
Cerebral Palsy League
61 Myrtle Street
Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 709-180061 Myrtle Street
Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 709-1800
Web: http://www.thecplinc.org/
Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey
Since 1953 CPNJ has been helping people with disabilities. It is their mission to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities and other related special needs. The CPNJ achieves this goal by supporting personal growth, independence and an increased ability to become integrated into the greater community.
Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey
515 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ, 07040
Phone: (973) 763-9900
E-mail: dbishop@cpnj.org
Web: http://www.cpnj.org
Government Assistance for Those with Cerebral Palsy
Caring for a child or adult with cerebral palsy is a costly endeavor. Diagnosis, treatments, specialized equipment and much more can burden a family far beyond their means. Fortunately, there are many government sponsored organizations in New Jersey ready to give assistance whenever necessary.
New Jersey Medicaid: This federally supported program is designed to serve New Jersey residents who are either US citizens or qualified aliens who also meet specific criteria for financial resources and income. Among the many benefits Medicaid offers is help for dependent children, those who are disabled, and those in need of hospital services. If you believe you might be eligible for assistance from Medicaid in New Jersey contact:
Medicaid
State of New Jersey
Quakerbridge Plaza
P.O. Box 712
Trenton NJ
Contact Information:
(800)356-1561
You can also contact NJ Family Care Office, Customer Service, P.O. Box 712, Trenton, N.J. 08625-0712, 1-800-701-0710.
Medicare: An additional federal health insurance program, this organization was created specifically to assist people over age 65 or those under 65 with disabilities. For more information about eligibility and benefits contact:
National Government Services
P.O. Box 69202, Harrisburg
PA 17106-9202
(888) 855-4346.
Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) of New Jersey can offer free health insurance for your child if your resources disqualify you from eligibility for Medicaid, but you still cannot afford the large expense of caring for a child with special and costly needs. In New Jersey this is called New Jersey Family Care and can be contacted at:
1-877 KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669) or
New Jersey FamilyCare (SCHIP)
Department of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS)
Office of Customer Service
P.O. Box 712
Trenton, N.J. 08625-0712
Contact:
(800)701-0710