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Hydrocephalus, commonly known as 'fluid on the brain', is a serious medical condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the brain's ventricles. Early detection and effective treatment are crucial in preventing irreversible brain damage. Unfortunately, medical professionals sometimes fail to identify the signs of hydrocephalus in a timely manner, particularly in children, leading to devastating consequences for the child and their family.
Hydrocephalus occurs due to an inability of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to drain properly, causing pressure to build within the skull. This increase in pressure can lead to significant neurological damage, developmental delays, and physical disabilities. When medical professionals fail to recognise the tell-tale symptoms promptly and do not refer the child for suitable diagnostic investigations or treatment, it can constitute negligent medical care.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus in children can vary depending on their age but commonly include:
If your child has suffered due to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of hydrocephalus, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Medical professionals owe a duty of care to their patients, and when this standard of care is breached, resulting in harm, it is your legal right to seek compensation.
Compensation can help to support your child’s ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, specialist equipment and therapy, as well as easing any financial burden you may experience due to lost earnings or adaptations required in your home.
At Stephensons, we have successfully handled numerous medical negligence claims related to delayed or failed diagnosis of hydrocephalus in children. Our specialist solicitors have the skills and experience required to achieve the best outcome for your family.
Stephensons is a leading UK law firm with extensive experience and a strong reputation in medical negligence claims. We understand that cases involving injured children can be emotionally challenging, and our compassionate approach ensures your family receives sensitive and dedicated support at every step.
Our medical negligence team is accredited by respected industry bodies, including the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Stephensons is also accredited by Lexcel, the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark, demonstrating our dedication to client care, practice management and consistent high standards.
When you choose Stephensons, you benefit from our approachable and accessible service, expert legal knowledge, and our proven track record of obtaining significant compensation settlements for families affected by delayed diagnoses and medical negligence.
Our solicitors will assist you throughout the entire claim process, helping you to understand your rights clearly and exploring all available options. We begin each case by thoroughly evaluating your child's medical history, symptoms and circumstances surrounding the missed or delayed diagnosis. We collaborate with independent medical experts to build the strongest legal case possible.
If accepted onto our no-win-no-fee scheme, you will have peace of mind knowing that your claim will be handled without upfront or unexpected costs. Our solicitors work tirelessly to ensure your family receives rightful and fair compensation, helping you provide your child with the best possible quality of life and care in the future.
If your child has suffered harm due to failure to diagnose hydrocephalus, speak to our specialist medical negligence solicitors now for expert advice and support. Call us on 0161 696 6165 or fill in our online enquiry form to request a callback. Our dedicated team is always ready to help you take the next steps towards obtaining justice and compensation.
Typically, medical negligence claims for children can be brought at any point until the child turns 18. After reaching adulthood, they then have three further years to initiate a claim themselves (by their 21st birthday). It's always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to strengthen your claim.
Every medical negligence claim is unique, and timeframes vary. Generally, cases involving serious conditions like hydrocephalus take longer to resolve due to their complexity, often from 12 months to several years. Our solicitors will provide you with regular updates and support throughout the entire process.
Evidence we typically gather includes medical records of your child's symptoms and diagnosis, reports from independent medical experts, witness statements and documentation showing how the negligence has impacted your child’s development and quality of life.
The amount of compensation varies significantly depending on the severity of your child's injuries, ongoing care and rehabilitation requirements and future prognosis. Our legal experts will provide a realistic estimate of potential compensation when reviewing your case.
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