Birth injury

We have expertise in birth trauma cases including claims for children with cerebral palsy. We are experienced in cases in which injury has resulted from poor medical treatment during child birth, including mismanaged labour leading to oxygen deprivation to the baby, brachial plexus injury following shoulder dystocia, as well as complications following caesarean section, forceps delivery and vacuum delivery.

We act for children with cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy and developmental delay. We also act in wrongful birth cases (cases in which a disability should have been diagnosed before birth).

To establish liability it must be shown that the care received was substandard and further that the substandard care caused the injury. Not all children injured at birth will go on to establish liability and recover compensation. In all cases the medical treatment provided will be assessed by our specialist team and be independently reviewed by a team of expert witnesses.

In cases in which liability is unlikely to be strongly contested, we are proactive and obtain interim payments for accommodation, the purchase of equipment and the setting up of care regimes. We employ independent living advisors who are able to help with advice on issues such as; equipment, vehicles and holidays.

When the case is won, we also advise on the setting up of trusts to protect means tested benefits and on the investment of damages through our links with specialist advisors. We also provide advice on Court of Protection issues in cases in which our clients lack the capacity to manage their financial affairs.

It is essential, in our view, that every person who has suffered injury as a result of birth trauma should seek advice as to whether a claim for compensation can be made. Very often people fail to seek proper advice on the assumption that no claim for medical negligence exists. We are prepared to look at the details of any case and provide expert advice as to whether a claim for compensation can be brought.