Understanding Cerebral Palsy Claims

Many parents know deep in their hearts that something went wrong when their child was born. Maybe the labour took too long, maybe the baby didn’t cry right away, or the doctors and nurses were rushing around. Later, they notice their child doesn’t sit, walk, or speak like other children. Families often say: “My child is not like the others.”

This may be because of Cerebral Palsy (CP), a condition that occurs when a baby’s brain does not get enough oxygen during birth. Sometimes it happens naturally, but sometimes it is the result of medical mistakes or negligence. Unfortunately, many cases of Cerebral Palsy could have been prevented if proper care had been given.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that affects muscle control, movement, and coordination. It is not progressive (it doesn’t get worse over time), but children with CP often need lifelong care.

There are different types of CP, including:

• Spastic CP – stiff muscles and difficulty moving.
• Dyskinetic CP – uncontrollable movements.
• Ataxic CP – problems with balance and coordination.

Signs Parents Often Notice

Cerebral Palsy is not always diagnosed immediately after birth. Parents and caregivers can look for these signs:

• Slow or missed milestones (sitting, crawling, walking, or talking).
• Stiff or floppy arms and legs.
• Seizures or fits.
• Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling.
• Ongoing need for daily special care.

If this sounds familiar, it may be linked to mistakes made during labour or delivery.

Examples of Medical Mistakes That Can Cause Cerebral Palsy:

• Failing to notice or act quickly enough to perform an emergency C-section.
• Not monitoring the baby’s heartbeat during labour.
• Missing problems with the umbilical cord or placenta, or not treating them in time.
• Not detecting or treating infections in the mother.
• Incorrect use of tools such as forceps or vacuum during delivery.
• Delays in providing oxygen to the baby at birth.
• Not checking or managing the baby’s oxygen levels.
• Errors during surgery or when giving anaesthesia.

Why Compensation Matters

Raising a child with Cerebral Palsy is not easy. Families often face lifelong and overwhelming costs, including:

• Medical treatment and specialist care.
• Physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy.
• Wheelchairs, walkers, and home modifications.
• Special schooling and educational support.
• Daily or full-time caregiving.

Compensation from a medical negligence claim helps cover these expenses and secures a better future for your child.

How Ehlers Attorneys Can Help

At Ehlers Attorneys, we are committed to helping families find answers and justice.

We work with top medical experts to:

• Investigate what happened during birth.
• Determine whether negligence occurred.
• Calculate your child’s lifetime care needs.
• Fight for compensation to secure your child’s future.

We understand these cases are emotional and stressful. Our team handles them with care, respect, and professionalism.

Don’t Wait Too Long to contact us

The sooner you act, the better the chances of success. Even if you don’t understand the medical details, just tell us your story, we will listen, guide you, and help you every step of the way.

No Win, No Fee

You don’t need money to start your case. All our medical negligence matters are handled on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
• We are only paid if your claim succeeds.

Contact Ehlers Attorneys today for a free consultation.
012 643 1652
082 331 2881
www.lawtoday.co.za
Because at Ehlers Attorneys, we believe every child deserves the best chance in life.