Most births in the UK are safe, but when a pregnancy or delivery is mismanaged the consequences can last a lifetime. Where medical staff fail to act on warning signs, delay a caesarean, or mishandle a difficult delivery, a baby can suffer serious and permanent harm. Two of the most common birth injuries are cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy. If your child was harmed by negligent care, you may be entitled to compensation.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition affecting movement, muscle control and coordination, often linked to a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain around the time of birth. Where oxygen deprivation resulted from a failure to monitor the baby, a delayed delivery, or mismanagement of foetal distress, a claim may be possible.
Do you have a claim?
We must show the care fell below a reasonable standard and that this caused your child’s injury. Examples include failing to monitor the baby’s heart rate, not acting on distress, delaying an emergency caesarean, or using unsafe delivery techniques.
What are the time limits?
For a child, the three-year limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. Where a child lacks mental capacity, as with severe cerebral palsy, there is often no time limit at all. Even so, seek advice early while evidence is fresh.
What can you claim for?
Compensation can include pain and suffering, lifelong care and support, specialist equipment, home adaptations, therapies, lost future earnings and case management. These claims can be substantial because they fund a lifetime of care.
If you believe negligent care harmed your baby, our specialist birth injury claims team can help, on a no win, no fee basis. Contact MayIClaim today for a free, confidential discussion.
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