Cerebral palsy is a debilitating condition that affects many members of society. In this short article, we look at the definition of cerebral palsy, i.e. what it is, and how to go about filing a claim for compensation.
Cerebral Palsy – What is it?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an injury to the brain that occurs during or immediately after birth. It’s a type of brain damage that affects an individual’s intellectual abilities, their fine and gross motor skills, their balance and posture, as well as their muscle tone. There isn’t one single type of cerebral palsy but many, which include the following types:
- Diplegia – Both legs are affected
- Hemiplegia – The arm and leg on one side are affected
- Quadriplegia – All four limbs are affected
- Ataxia – The individual experiences problems with balance and fine movement.
- Mixed cerebral palsy – A mix of two or three types of cerebral palsy
These are a few examples of the types of cerebral palsy that we’re now aware of, but how are individuals initially affected?
The most common ways in which individuals are affected is during labour and the delivery, and although complications may arise that are unable to be controlled by the medical staff overseeing the birth, it’s often the case that the medical staff have failed in their duty of care. This is when a compensation claim should be filed.
Filing a Claim for Cerebral Palsy Compensation
Before you file a claim for cerebral palsy compensation, there are a number of things that you must first realise and be aware of.
Firstly, it can take years to successfully file a claim – interim compensation claims are often achievable, so get in contact with mintons as they have highly experienced solicitors – secondly, you have to prove that mistakes have been made which shouldn’t have been and that those mistakes caused the cerebral palsy, and thirdly, you should never file a cerebral palsy compensation claim on your own.
Why File a Claim?
If your child was born with cerebral palsy you should contact an experienced medical negligence solicitor, one with verifiable experience in filing cerebral palsy compensation claims on behalf of his/her clients, not to mention an excellent track record.
Even if you’re unsure as to whether it was a failure in the duty of care of the medical staff who delivered your child, it’s important to look at all the options that are available to you so as to seek solutions.
The cost of care and treatment for children with cerebral palsy is expensive, plus as they require extra care, you may find that yourself or your spouse is unable to work because they have to stay home and look after your child because of their special needs.
As a result, having an experienced medical negligence compensation solicitor file a claim on your behalf is essential so as to purchase special equipment, implement an appropriate care system that meets your child’s special needs, and make arrangements for suitable accommodation for your child if they can’t stay at home.
