December 2024
Celebral Palsy is a group of neurological conditions that affect movement, muscle control, and coordination. In some cases, it is caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, labour, or childbirth.
Families caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy often face lifelong emotional, physical, and financial challenges. This guide explains how Cerebral Palsy injury claims work, when medical negligence may be involved, and how families can pursue compensation to secure their child’s future.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by damage to the developing brain, typically occurring:
- During pregnancy
- During labour and delivery
- In the early years of life
The condition can affect:
- Muscle tone and coordination
- Movement and posture
- Speech, vision, and learning
The severity of Cerebral Palsy varies, with some children requiring lifelong care and support.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy and Medical negligence
While not all cases are preventable, medical negligence during childbirth can be a cause of Cerebral Palsy.
Examples include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia)
- Delayed or mismanaged emergency C-sections
- Traumatic delivery injuries
- Failure to treat infections or complications
If proper medical care could have prevented the brain injury, a Cerebral Palsy medical negligence claim may be possible.
Can I Make a Cerebral Palsy Injury Claim?
Parents and guardians may pursue a claim if there is evidence that substandard medical care directly caused or contributed to their child’s Cerebral Palsy.
To succeed, it must show that:
- A healthcare provider owed a duty of care
- That duty was breached
- The breach caused avoidable brain damage
Evidence may include:
- Maternity and hospital records
- Independent medical expert reports
- Assessments of the child’s condition, care needs and prognosis.
The Role of Medical Experts in Cerebral Palsy Claims
Cerebral Palsy cases rely heavily on independent medical experts, including:
- Obstetricians
- Neonatologists
- Paediatric neurologists
These experts assess whether:
- The care provided met acceptable medical standards
- Earlier intervention could have prevented injury
- Negligence directly caused the child’s condition
Their evidence is critical in establishing liability.
Compensation for Cerebral Palsy Medical Negligence
Successful Cerebral Palsy injury claims can result in substantial compensation to support the child throughout their life.
Compensation may cover:
- Ongoing medical treatment and therapy
- Specialist equipment and mobility aids
- Home adaptations and care costs
- Educational and learning support
- Loss of earnings and future financial needs
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
Every claim is assessed individually to reflect the child’s long term needs.
Specialist Legal Support for Cerebral Palsy Claims
Cerebral Palsy medical negligence claims are legally and medically complex. Working with specialist solicitors ensures:
- Sensitive and compassionate handling
- Access to leading medical experts
- Accurate valuation of lifelong care needs
- Strong representation against NHS trusts or private providers
How NJS Law Can Help
Our NJS Law Medical Specialists are experienced in handling Cerebral Palsy and birth injury claims.
We offer:
- Clear, honest legal advice
- A supportive, family focused approach
- No win, no fee representation
- A commitment to securing the best possible outcome
Speak to a Cerebral Palsy Medical Negligence Solicitor
If you believe your child’s Cerebral Palsy was caused by medical negligence, early legal advice is essential.
- Contact NJS Law today for a free, no obligation consultation
- Available by phone or email
- We’re here to support your family every step of the way
FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM
Get in touch using the form below or via the following methods:
Ask NJS Law
For fast, friendly affordable legal advice. Contact a member of our team today.