Cerebral Palsy

Due to the complex medical and legal issues involved in cerebral palsy cases, it is advisable that you talk to a specialist clinical negligence solicitor who understands all the implications of cerebral palsy.

This will help to maximise the compensation you receive, should you be successful in your claim.

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Cerebral palsy compensation claims

Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of non-progressive conditions whereby the person affected suffers from impairment in body movement, posture and co-ordination.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control region of the brain, which in turn can be caused by an injury sustained to this part of the brain or by abnormal development of it.

As cerebral palsy is not one condition but rather a term used to describe a group of conditions, people who have cerebral palsy can present with varying symptoms and degrees of severity depending on the area of the brain affected and the extent of the injury sustained. Symptoms can vary from constant contracted or stiff muscles and seizures in one of the most severe forms; to lack of balance and co-ordination in more moderate forms.

Some people who suffer from cerebral palsy can also have learning and communication difficulties. This is because the motor control region of the brain is also responsible for other important brain functions, such as communication skills, memory and the ability to learn and these can also be impaired in cerebral palsy.

Causes

Damage to the brain can occur at any stage before, during or after birth. The most well-known cause of cerebral palsy is a lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) which can occur during labour or delivery. Research suggests, however, that most cases of cerebral palsy occur as a result of damage to the brain that occurred before the baby was born.

Damage to the brain before birth:

Damage to the brain before birth can occur in a number of ways including:

Infections caught by the mother, such as Rubella (German Measles)
Abnormally low blood pressure of the mother
Premature birth (this is particularly relevant in babies born at 6 months or earlier)
Abnormal development of the brain as a result of infection such as Herpes or due to trauma/injury to the unborn baby’s head
Bleeding in the brain caused by a stroke. This can occur as a result of pre-existing weaknesses or abnormalities in the baby’s blood vessels, infection or the mother having high blood pressure.

Cerebral palsy can also occur following birth and the brain can become damaged as a result of an infection of the brain such as meningitis, or as a result of a traumatic brain injury.

Do you have a potential medical negligence claim?

Unfortunately, there are a number of cases whereby cerebral palsy could have been avoided. When doctors or other health professionals fail to provide an accepted standard of care to the mother and/or baby before, during or after birth and this results in brain injury, you could have a claim for compensation.

Our specialist clinical negligence team includes Head of Department, Linda Schermer-Jones who is dual qualified as a solicitor and doctor. We are happy to offer free confidential and professional advice regarding your potential clinical negligence claim.

If you would like advice on whether you have a potential clinical negligence claim or assistance with drafting a letter of complaint, please contact us on the number below. Please note that there are legal time limits in place for starting a claim for compensation, and our specialist clinical negligence solicitors will be able to advise you specifically on the facts of your own case.

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Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral palsy compensation claims

Causes

Damage to the brain before birth:

Do you have a potential medical negligence claim?

Medical Negligence case studies

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Olivia Haslam

Megan Wilson

Liz Fry

Linda Schermer-Jones

Kerry Goulden

Emma Williams

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