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What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a term given to a group of symptoms affecting movement, posture and co-ordination.

On occasions, Cerebral Palsy can be the result of a difficult delivery, resulting in a hypoxic (lack of oxygen) brain injury. Cerebral Palsy may also be caused by an infection or trauma during pregnancy. However, in the majority of cases the cause of Cerebral Palsy may never determined.

Why can it be caused by negligence?

Most Cerebral Palsy Compensation Claims will involve allegations that there was a failure to deliver the child when there were indications of distress.

If there is a delay in delivery of a child in distress then they will be starved of oxygen which in turn damages the brain and may cause Cerebral Palsy.

It is often a feature in Cerebral Palsy Claims that that a midwife has failed to interpret the CTG trace (monitoring the baby’s heart rate) and in turn failed to raise the alarm with a more senior midwife / Obstetrician.

In addition, Cerebral Palsy may also be caused after delivery of the child due to a number of reasons. For example, missed bowel obstructions, infections or Kernicterus.

How do I claim?

Cerebral Palsy claims are extremely complex and may take many years to come to fruition. It is important that your case is dealt with by a Cerebral Palsy Solicitor who is experienced in acting on behalf of clients with Cerebral Palsy and has a proven track record of settling Cerebral Palsy Compensation claims.

Investigation of a Cerebral Palsy Claim will take many years. Once liability is established then many more years will be spent in assessing the value of the claim. Various issues need to be taken into account in a Cerebral Palsy Claim. In particular, future costs of care and treatment will need to be assessed.

A Cerebral Palsy Compensation Claim will involve the input of many independent medical experts. Expert evidence is regularly called from the following experts in a Cerebral Palsy Claim:
Paediatric Neurologist
Paediatric Neuroradiologist
Consultant Obstetrician
Fetal Medicine Expert
Speech and Language Therapist
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist

What can I be compensated for?

The damages awarded in Cerebral Palsy Claims are for the injured child. The compensation awarded in a Cerebral Palsy Claim will usually be made up of the following:
Past and Future Care costs – this is usually the largest proportion of the claim
Pain and Suffering for the injuries themselves
Adaptation costs
Aids and Equipment
Treatment costs

If you feel that you or your child has Cerebral Palsy as a result of a negligently handled birth please contact us today for a free initial assessment by an experienced Clinical Negligence Solicitor.

Our Cerebral Palsy Solicitors have extensive experience in dealing with Cerebral Palsy Compensation Claims, many of which have been extremely complex and ground breaking.