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Cerebral Palsy CLAIMS

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy that was caused by the negligence of a medical professional, we understand the impact that this can have on your life.

Our cerebral palsy solicitors understand the complex needs that your child will have and will work with you to secure the maximum compensation amount. Our team will also be able to liaise with experts who can help you with a number of needs you may have as a result of cerebral palsy.

Our award-winning cerebral palsy solicitors, based in offices across Yorkshire, are widely recognised for our practical and helpful legal advice. We are proud of our successful portfolio and have been providing legal counsel to those who have suffered due to medical negligence for decades. We handle cerebral palsy claims on a no win, no fee basis, and we will work with you to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to discuss making a cerebral palsy claim in a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 01484 821 500, send us an email to ​​​​​​PICN@ramsdens.co.uk, or complete our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you.

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.

FAQs about cerebral palsy claims and medical negligence

Am I eligible to make a cerebral palsy claim?

If your child has developed cerebral palsy, and you believe this was caused by the negligence of a medical professional, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Medical negligence is a complex area of the law, but speaking to a cerebral palsy solicitor will help you understand what steps you can take and whether your case is likely to be successful.

Is there a time limit to making cerebral palsy negligence claims?

Generally, the time limit for making such claims is three years. For adults, this is three years from the date of the incident or from the date when they first became aware that their condition may have been caused by medical negligence.

However, when the claim involves a child with cerebral palsy, the time limit is extended. In these cases, the three-year limitation period begins from the child’s 18th birthday, effectively allowing claims to be made until the child turns 21. This extension acknowledges that parents or guardians might not realise the connection between medical negligence and their child's condition immediately after birth.

It is also important to note that in cases where the individual affected by cerebral palsy lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves, there may be no time limit for making a claim.

Despite these guidelines, it’s always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Early consultation with a cerebral palsy solicitor at Ramsdens can help clarify these time limits and ensure that your claim is pursued in a timely and effective manner. Acting swiftly also helps in gathering fresh evidence and witness testimonies, which can be crucial for the success of the claim. To learn more, simply call us today for advice.

How will my cerebral palsy claim be funded?

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, which means you will not pay for our legal services if your case isn’t successful. We can discuss this with you when you contact us. It’s our aim to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you and your family.

Can I claim for future care and support needs?

Compensation in cerebral palsy claims can include provisions for future care and support needs. This is intended to anticipate your long-term requirements, covering future medical treatments, care costs and necessary adaptations or equipment.

What if my child’s cerebral palsy was diagnosed years ago? Can I still claim?

Even if your circumstances do not fit within the three-year time limit, get in contact with us, as there may be aspects of your child's condition that can still be claimed for. For example, mental capacity can be a grey area with cerebral palsy negligence claims, and this may mean your claim is not subject to a time limit.

CONTACT US

With offices across Yorkshire, we can provide our services across the county. To find out if you can make a cerebral palsy compensation claim, call us for free on 01484 821 500, email us at PICN@ramsdens.co.uk or request a call back and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.