• Experience representing children & young adults with cerebral palsy across NI
• Experts in medical negligence claims against Northern Ireland Hospital Trusts
• Successful record of high figure compensation payouts for Cerebral Palsy Cases
• Offices conveniently located in Belfast, Antrim, and Ballyclare
• Free, no-obligation consultation

Not all cases of cerebral palsy are caused by medical negligence. In some instances, the condition can develop due to genetic factors or complications that occur naturally during pregnancy or childbirth, where no one is at fault.

However, all three types of cerebral palsy can be caused by medical negligence or failure to diagnose and treat issues appropriately. This can happen during the antenatal stage, where improper monitoring of the mother and baby may overlook complications. It can also occur during childbirth, where delays or errors in handling delivery can result in brain injury. Finally, inadequate prenatal aftercare can lead to preventable conditions that contribute to cerebral palsy.

Potential causes of cerebral palsy due to medical negligence include:

• Failure to detect and manage infections during pregnancy
• Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during birth (hypoxia)
• Delayed or improper action during a difficult labour
• Failure to perform a timely C-section
• Misuse of delivery instruments (forceps, vacuum)
• Failure to treat jaundice or infections in newborns
• Errors in monitoring foetal distress

If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by any of these scenarios, you may be entitled to make a claim. Contact our specialist solicitors to begin your compensation process.

We know how difficult it can be to care for a child or young adult with cerebral palsy – that’s why we keep the claim process as transparent and stress-free as possible. Our cerebral palsy solicitors will be here to guide you every step of the way.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Reach out to our specialist team to discuss your case. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation consultation to assess the potential for making a cerebral palsy claim in Northern Ireland.

Step 2: Gathering Information
Our solicitors will help you collect all relevant medical records and documents related to your child’s brain injury. This ensures we have the evidence needed to build a strong case for your cerebral palsy claim.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
We arrange an independent medical assessment to confirm the link between medical negligence and your child’s cerebral palsy. Our solicitors will explain the results and how they impact your claim.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Our team negotiates with the responsible parties to secure the maximum possible compensation. We will also keep you updated and fight for the best outcome for you and your family.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once a settlement is agreed upon, we’ll ensure the compensation is paid quickly and securely. This will help cover the ongoing care and support your child needs to live the best life possible.

In Northern Ireland, the time limit for making a cerebral palsy claim is typically three years from the date of diagnosis or when the negligence is discovered. However, there are exceptions, such as if the claim is being made on behalf of a child, in which case the time limit may extend until their 21st birthday.

Even if you believe you’ve missed the deadline, we encourage you to contact us, as our solicitors can often advise on the best course of action and explore any potential exceptions in your case.

Compensation for cerebral palsy claims is awarded under two categories: general damages and special damages. General damages cover pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life, while special damages compensate for financial losses and future expenses related to care, such as medical treatments and equipment. Since every case is unique, it’s difficult to predict the exact amount of compensation you may receive.

The NI Green Book guidelines provide estimated compensation amounts for brain damage and it’s associated conditions, like cerebral palsy:

• Minor Brain Damage: £50,000 – £110,000
• Moderate Brain Damage: £55,000 – £575,000
• Moderately Severe Brain Damage: £310,000 – £865,000

*Please note these amounts only take into account compensation for general damages, your award may be significantly higher when taking into account special damages too.

Compensation can be paid as a lump sum or through periodical payments to cover future care needs. Interim payments may also be available before the final settlement to help with immediate costs, like medical care or home modifications.

We can’t stress how important it is to choose a solicitor with experience in cerebral palsy claims. We’re one of the leading firms for handling cerebral palsy claims in Northern Ireland, with a proven track record of securing compensation for families affected by medical negligence.

Our solicitors have successfully represented children who have suffered damage from forceps deliveries, prolonged labours leading to oxygen deprivation and failure to perform timely C-sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step towards securing the cerebral palsy compensation your child deserves.