In some cases, cerebral palsy is due to a genetic error, while in others it seems to be associated with prematurity, mother having an infection, or the by being part of a multiple pregnancy. 

In a small number of cases the cause can be tracked down. This usually involves one or more errors:

• in the management of mother's pregnancy
• with the child's delivery
• during neonatal care

When other causes can be ruled doubt, such children can make a claim for compensation.  The goal is to prove that sub standard treatment caused or contributed to the cerebral palsy.

Making a claim

Thorough investigation is essential before deciding to bring a claim. The standard of care given to both mother and child has to be closely examined. The precise nature of the child's condition has to be investigated in order to prove a link between any substandard care and the brain injury responsible. The particular type of cerebral palsy has to be established and shown to be consistent with the mechanism of injury.

Mother and child's medical records are obtained and scrutinised with help of a number of senior independent medical experts.  If it has not already been done, detailed MRI scanning may have to be arranged to confirm the precise location and nature of the brain injury.

Compensation

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition which can range from mild to very severe. Compensation is designed, so far as money is able, to put the claimant back in the position s/he would have been in but for the injury. 

This involves carrying out detailed assessments of how the condition affects the particular claimant. No two people are affected in exactly the same way. Working out the financial consequences means working closely with the claimant, their family, therapists, support workers, accommodation experts and a host of other advisers.

For the few who can prove that their cerebral palsy should not have happened, compensation can be life changing. Making the most of this includes ensuring that the right people with the right skills and experience are involved and that the right investments are made. After all, it is vital to ensure the compensation last for as long as the condition itself - a lifetime.

Along the way, long before the outcome of the case is known, families have to tackle immediate problems, including:

• protecting your benefits
• help with care and support
• therapies to help overcome restrictions on daily living
• accommodation

What can we do for you?

Our approach is always tailored to your own particular needs. Yours is not another case - it is about you or your child's whole life.

One of our senior lawyers, assisted by other team members to make sure things move along as quickly as possible, will be there to advise, guide and support you.

We have offices around the country or will see you in your home if you wish.

We will explain what can be done, how the work will be carried out and how long it will take. We will tell you exactly what we think the chances of success are. We will discuss with you both the strengths and weaknesses of the claim. 

We will tell you as soon as we can if your claim does not have reasonable prospects of success or if the prospects of succeeding change.

We will work with you to help ensure that no stone is left unturned. And where the claim is successful we will continue to be there to support you through the years ahead.

What to do now?

Contact us and speak to one of our specialists, without obligation, to find out how we can help you.

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