Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects around one in every 400 children in the United Kingdom. The condition directly affects motor function in its sufferers, leading to problems with movement, speech and co-ordination. The condition is caused by damage to the brain before, during or shortly after birth, making it a particularly traumatic condition to deal with for parents who are already going through the emotions and enforced lifestyle changes that come with having a child.

There are a multitude of reasons why the brain damage that causes cerebral palsy can occur, and most of them cannot be prevented. However, in 10% of cases cerebral palsy can be attributed to complications during the birth, some of which are directly caused by birth trauma – or negligence on the part of medical professionals. If this is the case then compensation can be claimed and given the life-changing nature of the condition, cerebral palsy compensation payouts are often large.

Having a child with cerebral palsy is extremely tough emotionally, and in times of emotional crisis it is easy to place blame on someone else. Indeed, it can be a way of dealing with the overwhelming emotional burden placed on parents by the condition. Cases alleging that cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence are extremely complex, and although it may be easy to place blame on someone else, you need to make sure you have evidence that the condition was caused by negligence.

The best way to do this is to organise a consultation with specialist medical negligence solicitors. A lot of these solicitors will offer free consultations to talk through the case. Most of these solicitors will have experience in the medical field and, as such, will deal with cases in a considerate and sympathetic manner.

Before deciding to pursue a case, it’s important to remember that cerebral palsy cases are extremely complex and can last years. The emotional strain of such court cases can be hard to bear, so it’s important to make sure you are prepared emotionally. Your solicitor will do their best to prepare you for the case emotionally, but remember that getting the compensation you may be entitled to will not be easy.

Given the complex nature and duration of the case, finding the right solicitor is crucial. It goes without saying that you should opt for a specialist in medical negligence cases as they will have the clinical knowledge required for your case and will have probably have dealt with similar cases in the past. Check for previous case studies on websites and also make sure that the solicitor has full accreditation. Arrange consultations with various solicitors and ask plenty of questions – this should give you a good idea of who will be best to proceed with on your case.

A court case can seem particularly daunting financially, especially when you factor in the costs of caring for a child with cerebral palsy. However, many solicitors offer no win, no fee schemes which mean that your solicitor will waive any fees should you lose. It’s important to note that you may still have to pay your opponent’s fees, however. Some solicitors offer Legal Aid for clients unable to afford the costs of a court case – this is limited to a select few solicitors however, so always check before proceeding.

Launching a court case for cerebral palsy caused by negligence can seem daunting, especially on top of the emotional and financial burdens of raising a child with cerebral palsy. However, if you feel that your child’s condition was caused by the negligence of medical officials then you should attempt to attain the compensation you deserve.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, specialists in cerebral palsy compensation

Ben Greenwood is is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe (http://www.ph-medicalnegligence.co.uk), specialists in cerebral palsy compensation

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, specialists in cerebral palsy compensation

Category: Legal
Keywords: cerebral palsy compensation