What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, is a condition that affects muscle movement and coordination. Although there is no cure, physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help improve mobility and balance.

What causes cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy can be caused by an underdevelopment of a child’s brain whilst they’re in the womb and can also be caused by a brain injury that occurs during or shortly after birth which may result from a lack of oxygen to the brain or a bleed on the brain.

When does cerebral palsy lead to a medical negligence claim?

If cerebral palsy has been caused by mistakes that a medical professional has made either during pregnancy or during the birth, you may be entitled to cerebral palsy compensation. Such mistakes can include:

• Failure to diagnose an infection during pregnancy
• Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate
• Failure to monitor blood sugar levels
• Delays in delivering the baby (also by Caesarean Section)
• Misuse of drugs
• Poor treatment of jaundice
• Complications with the umbilical cord resulting in lack of oxygen to the baby

Is there a time limit on bringing a cerebral palsy claim?

The law states that any claim on behalf of a child has to be brought within three years from the date of their 18th birthday in England and Wales and their 16th birthday in Scotland. However, there’s no time limit if the child doesn’t have mental capacity to bring a cerebral palsy claim when they become an adult.

How much does it cost to bring a cerebral palsy claim?

The majority of medical negligence cases in the UK are funded by way of a No Win No Fee agreement. However, Slater and Gordon are able to fund cases of cerebral palsy by applying for legal aid. Legal aid is a Government funding initiative in the UK to help people pay their legal fees. It’s important to note that not all law firms are able to offer legal aid funding.

If you would like more information about how to bring a legal aid claim for cerebral palsy, contact our medical negligence specialists for expert legal advice.

What can I claim cerebral palsy compensation for?

As well as claiming cerebral palsy compensation for pain and suffering, we’ll also include as part of your claim the cost of any care, treatment, rehabilitation, aids and equipment and any housing adaptations or property that’s required now or will be needed in the future. Additionally, if you’ve suffered any hardship as a result of lost earnings, this can also be recovered.

For more information about bringing a claim for medical negligence, read our medical negligence FAQs page and our medical negligence claims guide.

Why choose Slater and Gordon's cerebral palsy solicitors?

We have many years' experience securing compensation for those who’ve suffered as a result of cerebral palsy caused by cerebral palsy negligence and will handle your case with the utmost sensitivity and with great care.

As well as cerebral palsy solicitors who are experts in the field of medical negligence, we also have trained nurses and midwives on our team. We offer home and hospital visits and provide immediate representation and rehabilitation support.

Contact us for a free consultation to help you understand whether or not you have a cerebral palsy claim or call 0330 041 5869.

Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result of medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.