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A neonatal stroke is a distressing and traumatic event for any family, particularly when it has been misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis during the neonatal period can have long-lasting and serious consequences, impacting your child’s development, health and overall quality of life. If your child has suffered due to a misdiagnosed neonatal stroke, Stephensons understand how challenging this period can be. Our dedicated medical negligence specialists are here to support you through each stage of making a claim and securing the justice and compensation your family deserves.
A neonatal stroke occurs when the blood supply to a baby’s brain is disrupted before birth or within the first 28 days after birth. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for minimising damage and providing the best possible outcomes for the child. Unfortunately, medical professionals can sometimes fail to recognise the signs promptly or misinterpret symptoms as other neonatal conditions.
A misdiagnosed neonatal stroke occurs when healthcare professionals, such as doctors, midwives, paediatricians or nurses, fail to identify or properly diagnose a neonatal stroke. Common errors include delayed imaging (MRI or CT scans), misinterpreting the results of tests, or dismissing parents' concerns about their child's health. Such negligence can cause further medical complications, developmental delays, significant cognitive impairment, motor skill difficulties, and lifelong disability.
If your child has suffered harm or disability as a result of a misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosis of neonatal stroke, you are entitled to seek legal advice and potentially make a compensation claim. Medical professionals have a duty of care to correctly identify symptoms and provide a timely diagnosis. Where they fail to meet this standard, you have the right to pursue a medical negligence claim to secure the compensation necessary to meet your child’s needs.
A successful compensation claim can assist you in accessing specialist treatments, therapies, rehabilitation, assistive technology, home modifications, and other valuable resources that improve your child's quality of life and development. Stephensons have significant experience in neonatal stroke claims and can guide you through the entire legal process with compassion and expertise.
At Stephensons, we have extensive experience supporting families affected by neonatal stroke misdiagnosis and other birth-related brain injuries. We recognise how emotionally challenging and complex these cases can be, and we pride ourselves in offering our clients a sensitive, supportive and professional service.
Stephensons Solicitors LLP is accredited by the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Accreditation scheme, demonstrating our specialist knowledge and expertise in handling clinical negligence cases. Additionally, we are highly recommended by the Legal 500 as leaders in medical negligence litigation. Our experienced solicitors work closely with medical experts, ensuring thorough investigation and robust representation to achieve the best possible outcome for your child.
We operate on a no win, no fee arrangement, which means there is no financial risk when you begin your claim, and you only pay if your claim is successful.
Our dedicated medical negligence solicitors will carefully review your circumstances, arrange for expert medical opinions, support you during every stage of your claim, and provide clear, jargon-free advice. Our aim is to ensure you secure fair and substantial compensation to provide your child with the very best care and rehabilitation possible.
We understand the sensitive nature of these claims and provide a caring, empathetic approach. Our specialist solicitors are here to take the strain and complexity off your shoulders, allowing you to prioritise your child’s welfare and ongoing care.
If your child has experienced severe outcomes following a misdiagnosed neonatal stroke, contact Stephensons today on 0161 696 6165 or fill in our enquiry form for a callback. Our specialist medical negligence team are ready to listen to your circumstances carefully and discuss how to begin your claim.
What symptoms can a neonatal stroke cause?
Signs and symptoms of neonatal stroke can include seizures, extreme fussiness, irregular breathing, trouble feeding, weakness or difficulties moving one side of the body, and developmental delays.
Is there a time limit to claim for misdiagnosed neonatal stroke?
In child-related medical negligence claims, you are able to claim compensation up until your child’s 18th birthday. After this point, the child then has until they turn 21 to make their own claim. However, it is always recommended that you start your claim as early as possible.
How long does a neonatal stroke claim take?
Each case is unique, and timeframes can vary significantly due to complexity. Typically, neonatal stroke misdiagnosis cases can take many years to resolve fully. Stephensons will keep you regularly updated throughout the process.
How much compensation could my child receive?
The amount awarded depends on various factors, including the severity of your child’s injury, their ongoing medical and rehabilitation needs, and any adaptations required to your home or lifestyle. Stephensons will thoroughly assess your case to ensure all costs and requirements are included in your claim.
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