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Oxygen deprivation at birth, also known medically as birth asphyxia, is a serious condition that occurs when a newborn does not receive enough oxygen immediately before, during or after delivery. Sadly, prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to a child developing cerebral palsy, a life-changing condition impacting motor skills, mobility and overall quality of life. If you believe medical negligence has caused or contributed to your child's condition, Stephensons can help you secure compensation and support tailored to meet your specific needs.
Oxygen deprivation at birth occurs when the baby experiences insufficient oxygen supply during pregnancy, labour, or delivery. This situation can cause damage to the baby's developing brain, resulting in serious injuries and lifelong consequences. Cerebral palsy is one of the common conditions arising from birth asphyxia; it's a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination, body movement, and posture.
Common causes of oxygen deprivation at birth include failure to properly monitor fetal distress, delays in performing emergency caesarean sections or assisted delivery, umbilical cord complications, and inadequate management of maternal infections. Medical professionals have a duty of care to ensure both mother and baby are monitored closely, and appropriate action is taken immediately if signs of oxygen deprivation occur.
If your child has suffered cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation at birth and medical negligence can be established, you have the right to make a claim for compensation. A successful cerebral palsy claim can help you secure crucial resources such as specialist therapies, medical treatments and equipment, home adaptations, and lifelong care and support.
To successfully pursue a claim, it must be demonstrated that:
At Stephensons, our medical negligence experts will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence from medical records and expert testimonies to support your claim. We understand the emotional and financial strain that such negligence can put on families, and we will strive to secure the maximum compensation possible, helping you to rebuild and regain financial security.
Stephensons is a leading UK law firm specialising in medical negligence compensation claims. With decades of experience, a proven success rate and specialist know-how, we have secured substantial settlements for families affected by oxygen deprivation at birth and cerebral palsy. Our team is accredited by respected bodies such as the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Accreditation scheme and Chambers UK, reflecting our high-quality legal expertise in the medical negligence field.
We understand the emotional strain and practical difficulties parents and families face, and we are committed to handling your case sensitively and professionally. Stephensons operate on a no win, no fee basis, ensuring you can access justice without financial risk. When you instruct Stephensons, you will benefit from a dedicated legal team who will put your child's needs first, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
At Stephensons, we offer practical, compassionate and robust legal guidance for oxygen deprivation and cerebral palsy claims. We will:
If you believe your child's cerebral palsy was caused by oxygen deprivation at birth and may be linked to medical negligence, our experienced solicitors are here to help. Call Stephensons on 0161 696 6165 or simply complete our online enquiry form and one of our specialists will call you back as soon as possible. Our friendly team is ready to support you every step of the way.
What is the time limit for cerebral palsy compensation claims?
In line with standard medical negligence claims, according to the Limitation Act 1980, the general time limit for making a compensation claim related to oxygen deprivation or cerebral palsy claim in the UK is three years from the date of injury or the date you were aware of the negligence causing harm (often known as the "date of knowledge").
Typically, you have until your child turns 18 to bring a claim. After this age, your child then has three years, until age 21, to make their claim. If your child lacks mental capacity, the time limitation may potentially be extended indefinitely until your child regains capacity However, we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible.
How long does a cerebral palsy compensation claim take?
Claims related to oxygen deprivation at birth and cerebral palsy can be complex and may take several years to resolve fully. Generally, these claims involve detailed medical investigations and expert evidence. However, interim payments may be available to assist with immediate needs during the claim.
How much compensation will my child receive?
Each claim is unique, and compensation amounts depend on factors such as severity of injury, lifelong care needs, loss of future earnings capacity, and the cost of specialist equipment and therapies. Our expert solicitors will advise you based on your individual circumstances.
Will I have to go to court?
Most cerebral palsy compensation claims settle successfully through negotiation and do not require court proceedings. However, if going to court becomes necessary, Stephensons will ensure your claim is expertly advocated, and we will support you fully through every stage.
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