Discovering that your child has cerebral palsy (CP) is life-changing. For many families, the diagnosis raises difficult questions — particularly when there are concerns that mistakes during pregnancy, labour, or neonatal care may have played a role. While not all cases of cerebral palsy result from negligence, some do, and understanding your rights is an important first step.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It can be caused by:
- Reduced oxygen to the baby’s brain (hypoxia)
- Trauma during delivery
- Untreated maternal infections
- Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate
- Delayed response to signs of foetal distress
- Neonatal jaundice or infection not properly managed
Many of these risks can be identified and managed through good medical care. Problems arise when professionals fail to follow established guidelines, fail to escalate concerns, or delay necessary interventions — such as performing an emergency caesarean section.
When Cerebral Palsy May Be Linked to Negligence
A cerebral palsy negligence claim typically focuses on whether the standard of care fell below what a reasonably competent clinician should have provided. Examples include:
- Misinterpreting CTG traces
- Failing to monitor the mother or baby appropriately
- Delayed delivery despite warning signs
- Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum devices
- Failing to treat newborn infections promptly
If these errors lead to brain injury, families may have grounds for a claim.
Why a Claim Can Make a Difference
Bringing a claim is not about blame — it’s about ensuring your child has the resources they need. Cerebral palsy often requires lifelong care, including:
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Assistive technology and mobility aids
- Home adaptations
- Speech and feeding support
- Education support
A successful claim can fund this care, easing financial pressure and securing your child’s future.
How We Support Families
At Kearney Law Group, we understand how overwhelming this journey can feel. We work sensitively with families, gathering medical records, expert opinions, and timelines to establish whether negligence occurred. Our aim is to provide clarity, guidance, and support at every step — and to secure the best possible outcome for your child.
