Cerebral Palsy Claims: A Complete Guide to Compensation for Birth Injury Cases
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition caused by damage to a baby’s brain, often occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. While some cases are unavoidable, others result from medical negligence — when mistakes are made by healthcare professionals during pregnancy, labour, or neonatal care. When this happens, the consequences can be devastating, affecting the child’s movement, coordination, and overall quality of life.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to negligent care, you may be entitled to claim compensation to help secure their future. This guide explains how cerebral palsy claims work, what you can claim for, and how we can help you through the process.
What is a Cerebral Palsy Claim?
A cerebral palsy claim is a type of birth injury compensation claim made when a child develops cerebral palsy as a result of substandard medical care. Instead of treating the medical mistakes as isolated errors, the claim takes into account the full extent of the child’s injuries and how those life-changing challenges affect both them and their family.
For example:
- A delay in recognising and responding to signs of foetal distress during labour, leading to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) and brain injury.
- Mistakes made when managing infections, jaundice, or other neonatal conditions that result in brain damage.
- Failure to perform a timely caesarean section when necessary to prevent harm.
- Mismanagement of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia or umbilical cord issues.
How to Make a Cerebral Palsy Claim
We understand how emotionally overwhelming this process can feel — especially when you’re focused on supporting your child. That’s why we’ve broken the process into clear, manageable steps:
Step 1: Arrange a Free Consultation
Get in touch with our compassionate, specialist team for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your experience, assess whether you have a valid claim, and explain how we can help.
Step 2: Gather Important Information
To build a strong case, we’ll need to collect:
- Details of your pregnancy, labour, and delivery
- Medical records for both mother and child
- Notes from hospital or midwife appointments
- Evidence of negligence or errors made by medical staff
- Expert opinions from independent medical specialists
- Financial records for care, adaptations, and future needs
Once we’ve gathered this evidence, your case will be handled by an experienced medical negligence solicitor specialising in cerebral palsy claims.
What If the NHS or Hospital Denies Responsibility?
If the hospital, NHS trust, or medical staff dispute liability or refuse to accept responsibility, your solicitor can:
- Investigate medical records in detail
- Obtain expert independent reports to support your case
- Review hospital procedures, staffing records, and relevant guidelines
- Gather witness statements
- Take legal action through the courts if necessary
Thorough documentation and professional medical assessments will play a key role in strengthening your claim.
Who Can Make a Cerebral Palsy Claim?
A claim can be made by:
- The parents or legal guardians of the child
- A representative acting on behalf of the child, if they lack mental capacity
- The individual themselves, if they are over 18 and able to make decisions about their case
If negligence or medical failings caused or contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to pursue a claim.
What Can You Claim for in a Cerebral Palsy Case?
Cerebral palsy claims often involve significant and long-term financial, physical, and emotional consequences. A successful claim can help provide security and support for your child’s lifetime needs, including:
- Private medical care and therapy: Physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy
- Specialist equipment: Wheelchairs, communication aids, home adaptations, and mobility aids
- Care costs: Professional carers, family support, respite care
- Pain and suffering: For physical challenges, psychological effects, and loss of independence
- Loss of future earnings: If your child will be unable to work in the future
- Education support: Special educational needs services and private schooling
- Housing adaptations: Modifications such as accessible bathrooms, ramps, or room conversions
- Transport costs: Specialist vehicles or transport to medical and educational appointments
Your solicitor will ensure that every aspect of your family’s current and future needs are carefully calculated and included.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — if your child has cerebral palsy and is unable to manage their own legal affairs due to their condition, you can make a claim on their behalf. As a parent, guardian, or legally appointed representative, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Claims can also be made for children who have sadly passed away due to severe complications linked to birth injuries.
How Long Does a Cerebral Palsy Claim Take?
The time it takes to resolve a cerebral palsy claim depends on:
- Whether the NHS or hospital admits liability
- The severity and complexity of the child’s condition
- How long it takes to gather medical reports, expert opinions, and future care plans
- Whether disputes arise over evidence or damages
Because these are complex, high-value cases, they can take several years to conclude — but interim payments may be available to support urgent care needs while the claim is ongoing. We’ll keep you fully informed at every stage and handle the legal process on your behalf.
Are Cerebral Palsy Claims More Complicated Than Other Medical Negligence Cases?
Yes — cerebral palsy claims are typically more complex because they often involve:
- Multiple failings in pregnancy, labour, and neonatal care
- Serious, lifelong disabilities
- Extensive, ongoing care, therapy, and support needs
- Disputed medical evidence and liability
- Long-term financial planning for the child’s lifetime
That’s why it’s so important to work with specialist solicitors experienced in handling cerebral palsy and birth injury cases. We have the medical knowledge, legal expertise, and sensitivity to guide you through this difficult process.
We’re Here to Support You
A cerebral palsy diagnosis can turn a family’s world upside down — emotionally, financially, and practically. But you don’t have to face this alone.
Our expert solicitors are here to:
- Support you through every step of the legal process
- Help you access the medical care, financial security, and specialist services your child deserves
- Fight for the maximum compensation needed to provide for your child’s future
- Handle your case with sensitivity, care, and absolute commitment
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards justice, financial security, and a better future for your child and family.