Cerebral Palsy Medical Negligence

Cerebral palsy is a condition that tragically currently affects around 1 in 500 children in the United Kingdom. That’s around 1800 children born every year. Most often, it is caused by birth accidents and abnormalities in the way the baby’s brain develops. It can, however, also be caused by medical negligence. Around 1 in 10 cases of cerebral palsy are thought to be caused as a result of a birth injury, often caused by negligence.

The condition typically affects a child’s movement due to an injury to their brain. Its prevalence has declined in recent years as an improved hospital and maternity care means that fewer birth injuries are occurring.

Cerebral Palsy Claims – the need for a specialist solicitor

All medical negligence cases need an experienced solicitor –claims for cerebral palsy caused by some form of medical error even more so. One of our medical negligence solicitors is a qualified and experienced nurse – so when you use us for your cerebral palsy claim, you know you’re in safe hands.

For free no obligation advice call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 140454

Cerebral palsy – common symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy often include:

• Difficulty controlling muscles

• A delay in the child achieving development milestones

• Difficulty eating and, later, writing

• Learning difficulties

• Seizures

• Hearing or visual problems

Proving a Cerebral Palsy Medical Negligence Claim

Cerebral palsy is slightly different in every child, so it is important that you get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor. If you suspect that your child has cerebral palsy due to a birth injury caused by medical negligence, this is most likely to be because of excessive force or improper birthing procedures being followed while the child was being born.

You will need to be able to prove that the medical professionals in question was negligent and did not carry out their proper duty of care, and that this led to your baby having cerebral palsy. As it can often be hard to prove medical, and cases aren’t always clear cut, it is important that you seek specialist legal advice.