Guide to Cerebral Palsy Claims
If your own child or a family friend or relative has cerebral palsy you are often confused, angry and scared. This guide has been prepared to advise you of your options so that you can make an informed decision about what you can do for the sufferer.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
The term Cerebral Palsy comes from the part of the brain that is damaged (the cerebrum) and palsy which means disorders of movement. Something happens which prevents the cerebrum connecting with other parts of the brain. This occurrs caused when a baby is starved of oxygen during during pregnancy or at or after birth. This can be for a number of reasons (explored later). The cause of the starvation of oxygen is damage to the brain which can lead to physical or intellectual difficulties.
How Does It Happen?
There are a number of causes for Cerebral Palsy. The common ones include:
- Infections in the womb such as meningitis
- Bleeding into the brain
- Failing to act swiftly to remove a baby with a twisted umbilical cord
- Other complications at birth leading to oxygen starvation
What Are The Symptoms
These are not always immediately apparent and can take months to become clear. However, they include stiffness or floppiness of the child's limbs, irregular writhing movements or strange postures.
Will Cerebral Palsy Deteriorate?
No. Cerebral Palsy is non progressive, meaning once the damage has occurred it does not get any worse. However, as the child grows older any physical injuries will often appear to deteriorate due to the child growing in size, emphasising the nature of the disability.
Does Cerebral Palsy Prevent Learning In A Child?
Whilst Cerebral Palsy can impact upon a child's learning abilities, it very much depends on the extent of the damage. Many children can still be very intelligent despite having suffered cerebral palsy. Often people confuse the muscle spasms in the face with a lack of development but this is often not the case.
Can It Be Treated?
Whilst there is no permanent treatment, there are a range of therapies that can ease pain, assist movement and improve communication skills. If you choose a 1stClaims Cerebral Palsy solicitor to help you they will explore all treatment opportunities to make your child and your own life as straightforward as possible.
See our Cerebral Palsy Claim case study for more information.
What Do I Do Next?
If you believe your own or a friend or family members' child has suffered Cerebral Palsy you can receive a free review of the circumstances from one of our solicitors. They will help you go through a complaints procedure and will then be able to act on the child's behalf (with Legal Aid funding usually available to pursue the claim). They will establish the cause of the Cerebral Palsy, arrange therapy and obtain compensation for the child to make their life as comfortable as possible.
If you would like 1stClaims expert Medical Negligence Solicitors on your side please call us free on 0800 2888 693 or complete our Free Claim Enquiry form now and we will be in touch with you very soon.
Remember, all initial enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you.
We are here to help you from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday,
8.30am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.
Claim Now
Start your FREE claim for compensation by using our online claim form.
Remember we charge no fees and all initial enquiries are completely free of charge.
7 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE SOLICITOR
To receive our free guide advising you of all the questions you must ask before choosing your Medical Negligence solicitor please click the link below:
Why Choose Us for Your Medical Claim?
- Expert medical negligence solicitors selected for you by our own solicitor with over 18 years claims experience
- Legal Aid Available
- Free initial advice always
- Private treatment available
- Our service is completely free for you
News / Articles
27/06/08 - Record Numbers Dying From MRSA Hospital Superbug
25/04/08 - Pro-footballer Claims Medical Treatment Ended His Career
23/04/08 - Over £2.5 Million Paid Out For Medical Negligence
18/04/08 - Widow Receives Pay Out For Medical Negligence After Three-year Wait
16/04/08 - Holby City Star Terrified of Hospitals After Superbug Scare
11/04/08 - New Superbug Outbreak
07/04/08 - Could Alligator Blood Beat MRSA?
UK Wide Coverage
We have expert solicitors across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland waiting to help
you now.
What Our Clients Say
“They don't seem (another claims company) as efficient or helpful as 1stClaims seem to be. I have been impressed with your service and I am grateful for your help. Thanks for your patience!” - Mr Pittam
