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The birth of a child should be one of life's most joyful and treasured moments. Unfortunately, mistakes can sometimes happen during delivery, leading to serious health conditions such as cerebral palsy. One of the common causes of cerebral palsy is the negligent use of forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) during childbirth. If your child has suffered cerebral palsy as a result of negligence by medical professionals during forceps or ventouse delivery, Stephensons can support you in securing compensation and justice.
Forceps and ventouse are medical devices frequently used during difficult childbirths to assist in delivering a baby quickly and safely. Forceps are tong-like instruments that fit around the baby's head to gently guide it out, while ventouse involves the use of a vacuum cup attached to the baby's head. Whilst these are standard and often essential procedures, negligent handling can cause significant trauma, leading to significant brain injuries and cerebral palsy.
Negligent use may include using excessive force, incorrect positioning of the equipment, failing to reassure adequate monitoring, or not identifying the necessity for alternative interventions, such as emergency caesarean sections. Such mistakes can lead to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), bleeding in the brain, or damage to the skull and brain tissues, which are potential risk factors for cerebral palsy.
If your child has developed cerebral palsy due to negligent handling of forceps or vacuum extraction during childbirth, you may be entitled to compensation. Successfully claiming compensation involves proving that the medical professional failed to deliver the required standard of care expected in the circumstances, and this negligence directly resulted in the child's condition. Compensation can assist with ongoing medical care needs, therapies, adapted housing, specialist educational support and equipment, as well as providing financial security for your child's future.
Claims for negligence leading to cerebral palsy can be complex and emotionally demanding. At Stephensons, our experienced medical negligence solicitors understand the impact cerebral palsy has on individuals and families, and we offer compassionate and dedicated support throughout the entire compensation claim process.
Stephensons is an award-winning, specialist law firm with a well-respected medical negligence department experienced in cerebral palsy claims. Our dedicated solicitors bring extensive expertise in handling medical negligence claims involving childbirth injuries, including those arising from negligent use of forceps or ventouse.
Our law firm's accreditations and credentials include:
We offer sensitive and supportive legal advice and representation, always prioritising your child's best interests. Stephensons operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, ensuring you can pursue justice and compensation claims without financial risk or worry.
At Stephensons, our experienced solicitors will comprehensively evaluate your claim to determine liability and the compensation owed. We have trusted medical experts and barristers to reinforce your case, obtaining expert medical evidence to substantiate the negligence involved. Our solicitors will guide you through the complexities of the legal process, explaining each step in clear, straightforward language and providing compassionate support throughout your legal journey.
Our commitment is to obtaining maximum compensation to ensure your child receives all the support they need to lead a fulfilling life.
If you believe your child has cerebral palsy due to negligent use of forceps or ventouse, contact Stephensons' expert medical negligence solicitors today. Call us directly on 0161 696 6165 or fill in our enquiry form, and one of our dedicated solicitors will promptly call you back to discuss your potential claim.
How do I know if my child's cerebral palsy was caused by negligence?
Our specialist solicitors work closely with independent medical experts to establish whether negligence caused your child's cerebral palsy, ensuring you receive transparent and accurate advice.
How long do I have to make a claim?
Generally, you have until your child’s 21st birthday to initiate a medical negligence claim as the usual three-year limitation period begins at age 18 for children. However, we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved thoroughly.
How much compensation could we receive?
Compensation amounts vary significantly depending on the severity and impact of cerebral palsy. Settlements commonly cover lifetime care needs, loss of earnings, adaptations to housing and transport and specialist equipment. Our solicitors provide detailed guidance specific to your case to maximise entitlement.
Do Stephensons operate on a no-win, no-fee basis?
Yes, Stephensons offer no-win, no-fee arrangements for cerebral palsy negligence cases, ensuring there is no upfront financial risk involved when seeking justice for your family.
Contact Stephensons' compassionate and experienced team today to discuss your cerebral palsy negligence claim.
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