Cerebral Palsy CLAIMS

How our cerebral palsy solicitors can help

If your child has cerebral palsy due to what you believe was an error by medical staff, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Our solicitors are on hand to provide advice and support if you want your child’s birth investigated.

Your cerebral palsy solicitor will work to secure the compensation you deserve, while also making sure you receive answers to questions you might have about what went wrong with the help of independent medical experts. We aim to ensure you have the peace of mind and financial security needed to give your child the support and care they need while your case progresses.

Examples of medical negligence in cerebral palsy cases include:

• Delays in delivery
• Failure to carry out a caesarean
• Inappropriate use of forceps or ventouse cup
• Misuse of medication to speed up labour
• Poor monitoring of heart rate
• Poorly managed pregnancy
• Undetected or untreated conditions after birth

No matter your circumstances, if your family has suffered because of medical negligence, we can help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Understanding cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition affecting movement, muscle tone and posture, caused by a serious brain injury that occurs before, during or shortly after birth. The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary but often include difficulties with coordination, muscle stiffness or weakness, and involuntary movements. Understanding this condition is important for families dealing with a child's cerebral palsy and for those considering making a cerebral palsy claim, as it lays the foundation for comprehending the complexities involved in such cases.

The impacts of cerebral palsy on families

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy in a family member, particularly in a child, brings multiple challenges that extend beyond the medical implications. It is important to understand that financial compensation can be claimed for many of these impacts, provided you can provide evidence of the effects they have had on your life.

• Emotional challenges: you may experience initial shock and disbelief to long-term stress and anxiety. The uncertainty about the child's future, coupled with the demands of providing constant care, can be exhausting and even strain family relationships if there is contention.
• Financial implications: the costs associated with a cerebral palsy birth injury can include specialised medical treatments, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and necessary home adaptations. These expenses can place a substantial burden on families, especially when coupled with the potential loss of income if a family member becomes a full-time carer.
• Practical adjustments: daily life undergoes considerable adjustments when caring for someone with cerebral palsy. You may need to modify your home for wheelchair access, invest in specialised equipment and attend regular medical appointments. Additionally, there can be educational considerations, as children with cerebral palsy may require special education services or assistance in mainstream schools.

We understand that a cerebral palsy diagnosis can be a lot to take in, and we want to provide you with the legal support you need.

How is compensation awarded for cerebral palsy claims?

In cerebral palsy claims, compensation is typically categorised into two main types:

• General damages refer to the compensation awarded for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity experienced by the individual with cerebral palsy. Quantifying general damages can be complex, as they cover non-economic losses. Ramsdens employs a compassionate approach, ensuring these aspects are thoroughly represented and valued in your claim.
• Special damages are awarded to cover specific financial losses and expenses incurred due to cerebral palsy. Depending on your unique circumstances, these can include medical expenses, care costs, equipment and home adaptations, loss of earnings, education needs, and ongoing or future expenses. Special damages are calculated based on actual financial losses and projected future expenses, ensuring that the compensation covers all aspects of the individual's care and support needs.

The process of making cerebral palsy claims

Navigating a cerebral palsy claim can appear daunting at first, but understanding each step makes the journey less overwhelming. Here, we outline the key stages in the claims process, highlighting Ramsdens' role in guiding clients through each phase:

• Initial consultation: the journey begins with a free, no-obligation consultation over the phone. We want to hear about your experience so we can understand the specifics of your case and provide you with initial legal advice. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns about the claims process.
• Gathering evidence: if you decide to proceed with making your claim, we will then move on to gathering all relevant medical records and evidence and consulting with independent medical experts. Our solicitors will help you to understand what evidence may be necessary and beneficial for your claim.
• Communicating with the other party: once we have a strong argument for why you are owed compensation, backed up with evidence, we will contact the responsible party and inform them of your claim. We will handle all necessary legal communications on your behalf so you don’t have to deal with any difficult transactions.
• Negotiating settlements: most cerebral palsy claims are settled out of court. Our experienced solicitors negotiate with the other party to reach a fair settlement. We prioritise your best interests and work tirelessly to ensure the compensation reflects the severity of the negligence and its impact on your life. In the rare case that this is unsuccessful, we will take your claim to court and represent you.

Upon successful conclusion of the claim, the compensation awarded will help cover the costs and adjustments necessary for managing cerebral palsy. Under a no win, no fee agreement, if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay our legal fees.

Why choose us?

Due to our successes, Ramsdens is widely recognised for our solicitors' trustworthiness and reputation for delivering results. But it is not just about the numbers - we want to help you access the support you need, and we are conscious of the stress you may be under due to making a legal claim while dealing with cerebral palsy negligence. Your solicitor will be by your side throughout the process, helping you navigate the procedure with minimal stress and offering clear, non-intrusive guidance where you need it.

When you come to us to make a cerebral palsy claim, we provide:

• A free consultation
• No win, no fee representation
• Early home visits
• A friendly, confidential service
• Fast responses to all communication
• Specialist solicitors to deal with your claim

You can read about our awards and accreditations here.

How do I start a cerebral palsy claim with Ramsdens?

Starting a claim with Ramsdens is straightforward. You can call us for a free consultation, email us, or fill out our online enquiry form. We will discuss your case, advise you on the likelihood of success, and explain the next steps in the claims process.