Cerebral palsy claims

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle function and coordination. It can occur during childbirth when a baby experiences oxygen deprivation, trauma or complications during delivery. CP can result in impaired movement, difficulty with balance and coordination, speech problems, and developmental delays. The severity of cerebral palsy varies significantly among individuals. Some children will experience mild symptoms, while others may face severe disabilities requiring lifelong specialist care.

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that can significantly impact both the child's and the family's lives. Families dealing with cerebral palsy often face extensive medical costs, ongoing treatments, physiotherapy and the need for adaptive equipment and support services.

Can you claim compensation for cerebral palsy?

If you believe your child's cerebral palsy resulted from negligent medical care during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or shortly after birth, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Successful cerebral palsy claim settlements can help provide essential financial support for your child's care, specialist equipment, therapies, education, home adaptations and any other additional needs arising from their condition.

To successfully pursue a compensation claim, our specialist birth injury solicitors will help establish that the healthcare provided fell below acceptable standards and that this directly caused or contributed to your child's cerebral palsy. Stephensons' experienced solicitors will thoroughly investigate medical records and obtain expert medical evidence to build a robust claim on your behalf.

Why choose us for your cerebral palsy claim?

Stephensons Solicitors LLP is recognised as a leading medical negligence law firm, with extensive experience and a compassionate approach. Our specialist solicitors understand how distressing a birth injury can be for families. By choosing Stephensons, you will benefit from our proven expertise, professional excellence and exceptional client care.

We hold industry-leading accreditations including recognition from the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme. These credentials underline our dedication to delivering outstanding representation and rigorous standards of service.

Our dedicated cerebral palsy solicitors have helped many families secure substantial compensation to transform their children's quality of life, ensuring that their needs and care costs are fully covered now and throughout their life.

How we can help

From the moment you contact us, we will provide a sensitive and supportive approach. We offer clear, straightforward guidance about your rights and the compensation process, keeping you continually informed at each stage. Our team will gather evidence, including medical records and expert opinions, building your case meticulously to achieve the best possible outcome. Our primary goal is to secure compensation to safeguard your child's future wellbeing, comfort, and quality of life.

Stephensons operates on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you can pursue your cerebral palsy claim without financial worry. Our solicitors will take care of all legal complexities, allowing you and your family to focus on caring for your child.

Types and Severity of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can affect individuals in various ways, depending on the severity of brain injury. Understanding the different outcomes helps families make informed decisions and shows that your legal team has a thorough grasp of the condition.

• Spastic cerebral palsy – the most common type, characterised by muscle stiffness and difficulty with movement.
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy – involves uncontrolled, involuntary movements, making tasks like sitting or walking difficult.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy – causes problems with balance and coordination, often resulting in shaky or unsteady movements.
• Mixed cerebral palsy – where symptoms of more than one type are present.

Severity can range from mild movement difficulties to severe physical and cognitive impairments requiring full-time care and lifelong support.

Common causes of cerebral palsy

In many cases, cerebral palsy results from complications during pregnancy, labour, or shortly after birth. When these complications are avoidable or worsened by medical negligence, families may have grounds to claim compensation. Some common causes include:

• Oxygen deprivation during birth
• Delays in performing an emergency caesarean section
• Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate adequately
• Misuse of delivery instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors
• Untreated maternal infections or undiagnosed jaundice in newborns

Identifying the cause is a crucial part of building a successful cerebral palsy claim. Our legal experts work closely with medical professionals to uncover whether your child’s injury could have been prevented.

The cerebral palsy claims process

Bringing a claim for cerebral palsy compensation can feel overwhelming, but our experienced solicitors will guide you through every step:

1. Initial consultation – a free and confidential discussion to assess whether you have a valid claim.
    
2. Gathering medical records – we obtain all relevant documentation related to your pregnancy and your child’s birth.
    
3. Independent medical assessments – our team works with medical experts to review your care and determine whether negligence occurred.
    
4. Letter of claim – if negligence is found, we formally notify the healthcare provider and begin negotiations.
    
5. Interim payments – we can often secure early payments to help fund urgent care needs before the case is resolved.
    
6. Settlement or court proceedings – most cases settle out of court, but we are prepared to go to trial if needed to secure justice.
    

We aim to make this process as stress-free as possible, keeping you informed and supported at every stage.

What does compensation cover?

Compensation for cerebral palsy can provide essential financial security and help families plan for the future. A successful claim may include damages for:

• Long-term care and nursing support
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
• Specialist equipment, such as wheelchairs or communication aids
• Home modifications and vehicle adaptations
• Educational support
• Loss of future earnings for both the child and primary carers
• Pain, suffering and loss of amenity

Every case is different, so we take the time to understand your child’s unique needs when calculating the value of your claim.

Contact us

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe medical negligence may have contributed, please speak to one of our expert solicitors today. Call Stephensons on 0161 696 6165 or complete our enquiry form for a callback. Our specialist team is ready to listen and provide the support and guidance you need.

Supporting families beyond compensation

At Stephensons, we understand that cerebral palsy affects every aspect of family life. That’s why our service doesn’t end once compensation is secured. We provide ongoing support, including:

• Guidance on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Advice on accessing local authority funding and support services
• Information on relevant charities and community resources
• Help with financial planning to protect compensation for future needs
• Professional Deputyship to manage the compensation

Our goal is to support your family holistically, ensuring your child’s health, education, and wellbeing are prioritised at every stage.

Frequently asked questions about cerebral palsy claims

Why early diagnosis matters

Early diagnosis of cerebral palsy can dramatically improve long-term outcomes for your child. Advances in medical technology now allow healthcare providers to identify signs of cerebral palsy earlier than ever before. Early intervention can lead to more effective therapies, improved mobility, and better support at school and home.

By securing compensation early, you can ensure access to the best possible care and resources from the very beginning.

How long do I have to make a cerebral palsy claim?

Usually, cerebral palsy claims can be brought until your child reaches their 21st birthday. However, we strongly recommend seeking advice early, as timely action ensures evidence is preserved and memories remain clear.

How long does a cerebral palsy compensation claim take?

Cerebral palsy claims often take between four and six years to resolve, but this can vary depending on complexity, age of the child and whether the negligence is admitted. Our solicitors will aim to achieve interim compensation to help with immediate needs where possible.

How much compensation can I expect?

The amount awarded depends significantly on your child's condition, care requirements, and circumstances of the case. Cerebral palsy settlements commonly include compensation for lifelong care, rehabilitation, equipment, therapies, education, loss of earnings and general damages for pain and suffering.

Will I have to go to court?

Most cases settle successfully before reaching court. However, if court proceedings become necessary, our expert legal team will prepare you fully and support you throughout the process.

If you have further questions, please call Stephensons on 0161 696 6165 or complete our enquiry form. Our compassionate and knowledgeable solicitors will be happy to help.