Comparing cerebral palsy costs: Private healthcare vs medico-legal claims in South Africa.

Abstract

This study compares the costs of cerebral palsy healthcare in South Africa's private healthcare system with the lump sum compensation typically awarded in medico-legal claims. The analysis reveals that private healthcare costs for cerebral palsy, particularly within high-coverage benefit options, are significantly lower than the capitalised values awarded by South African courts. This suggests that the projections used in medico-legal claims may overestimate the true financial requirements for cerebral palsy care. The study advocates for evidence-based methodologies in medical expert witness assessments to ensure accurate and fair cost estimations, reducing discrepancies between private healthcare costs and medico-legal compensation.