Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders affecting body movement, balance, and posture, caused by non-progressive brain damage or malformation during a child’s brain development.
While not all cases of CP are due to medical negligence, some may be. If you suspect medical negligence was the cause of your child’s CP, follow these 5 steps to pursue a medical negligence claim:
1. Seek a Second Medical Opinion
To explore the possibility of medical negligence, it is recommended that you first consult a paediatric neurologist or another specialist to evaluate your child’s condition and medical history. Their expert perspective may help identify whether any potential negligence occurred.
2. Gather Medical Records
Collect all relevant medical records, including prenatal care, birth, and postnatal care. These records will be vital in establishing a timeline of events and identifying any potential signs of negligence.
3. Seek an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
In many cases, an IME conducted by a neutral, third-party medical expert is recommended. This examination can provide unbiased evidence linking alleged negligence to your child’s cerebral palsy, thus strengthening your case should you decide to pursue one.
4. Consult with a Medical Negligence Solicitor
If concerns about negligence persist, seek legal advice from a solicitor experienced in medical negligence. They can help explain your rights, responsibilities, and assess the viability of your case.
5. File Medical Negligence Proceedings
If there is enough evidence pointing to medical negligence, proceed with filing a claim against the healthcare providers involved. The claim should outline the alleged negligence, its impact on your child’s life, and the basis for seeking compensation.
By following these 5 initial steps, you can begin to take the necessary legal actions to seek justice for your child and potentially secure compensation to support their care and well-being into the future.
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.*
