Cerebral Palsy Claims Solicitors in Oxford
We understand that a cerebral palsy diagnosis can be a life-altering moment for you and your family. If your child’s condition was caused by negligent medical care during pregnancy, labour, or in the days after birth, you may have grounds to bring a cerebral palsy compensation claim. Navigating that process while caring for your child can feel impossible, which is why having the right legal team behind you matters so much.
At Ashtons Legal, our cerebral palsy solicitors have decades of experience handling some of the most complex medical negligence claims in England and Wales. We’re ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and our senior team members hold accreditations from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) Clinical Negligence Panel, and the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel. While compensation can’t undo the harm caused, it can fund the care, therapies, and equipment your child needs throughout their life.
We support families across Oxfordshire and beyond from our Cambridge office, the nearest Ashtons Legal location to Oxford. For the level of expertise and specialist support our team provides, we’d encourage you to get in touch. Virtual appointments are also available if that’s more convenient.
We offer:
- A free initial consultation to assess your claim
- No win, no fee funding options
- Access to independent medical experts
- A dedicated client support and rehabilitation service
- Sensitive, transparent guidance at every stage
Contact our cerebral palsy claims solicitors in Oxford
To speak with our specialist team, call us on 0330 191 4864 or complete our online enquiry form. Our nearest office is in Cambridge. We also offer virtual appointments to make things as straightforward as possible for your family.
How to make a cerebral palsy claim in Oxford
Cerebral palsy claims arise where negligent medical treatment during pregnancy, labour, or the neonatal period caused or contributed to the condition. Common examples of negligence include failure to respond to signs of foetal distress, incorrect use of delivery instruments, delayed caesarean section, and failure to diagnose and treat infection promptly.
Time limits are important to understand. Claims on behalf of a child can be brought at any point before their 18th birthday. Once they turn 18, they have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim in their own name, provided they have mental capacity. Where a person lacks mental capacity, no time limit immediately applies. If you’re unsure how these rules apply to your situation, speak to our team as early as you can.
Our cerebral palsy compensation claims service
Assessing your cerebral palsy claim
We begin with a free consultation to understand the circumstances of your child’s birth and diagnosis. We’ll ask about the treatment received, the impact on your child and your family, and any concerns you have about the care provided. If we believe your claim has reasonable prospects, we’ll explain the legal process clearly and discuss how your case can be funded.
Building your cerebral palsy claim case
Gathering strong evidence is essential in a cerebral palsy negligence claim. We’ll obtain all relevant medical records, hospital notes, and witness accounts. We work with respected independent medical experts to assess whether the care fell below the required standard. Our experts will also evaluate your child’s long-term needs, including care, therapy, equipment, and accommodation, so every element of the claim is properly assessed and accounted for.
Submitting the Letter of Claim
Once the evidence is in place and is supportive of a claim, we’ll draft a Letter of Claim setting out the allegations of negligence and how it caused or contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy. The defendant will typically have four months to respond. If they accept liability, we move to valuing your claim. If they dispute it, and the merits in your case remain strong, we prepare to advance proceedings further.
Mediation processes
Where the defendant acknowledges responsibility, we’ll work to resolve your claim through negotiation or mediation. This approach is often faster and less stressful than court, and we push for a settlement that fully reflects your child’s past and future needs. Most cerebral palsy compensation claims are resolved this way.
Court processes
If the defendant disputes liability or fails to make a reasonable offer, if the merits in your case remain strong, we’ll issue court proceedings and support you through every step. The great majority of cases still settle before reaching trial, but if yours proceeds to a hearing, our experienced litigators will present your case robustly on your behalf.
Free Support and Rehabilitation Service
Rehabilitation can’t wait for a claim to conclude. Our dedicated client support and rehabilitation team works alongside our legal team from the outset, helping you access the right support as early as possible. We can help you to:
- access medical and therapeutic treatment for your condition
- ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home (including aids and adaptations)
- apply for disability and/or welfare benefits
- access funding to pay for care in your home
- seek education funding for children and young people.
This service is available regardless of the outcome of your claim.
How is compensation calculated?
Cerebral palsy compensation claims are often among the highest-value cases in medical negligence, with many settling for several million pounds. The level of compensation depends on the severity of the condition and the extent of your child’s care, therapy, and support needs over their lifetime. We assess every element of your losses, including:
- Past and future care costs
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Specialist equipment and home adaptations
- Loss of earnings and future earning capacity
- Education and long-term support funding
We work with expert professionals to build a precise and comprehensive picture of your child’s needs, so nothing is left out of your claim.
Why choose Ashtons Legal?
Our cerebral palsy solicitors are part of a nationally recognised medical negligence team with decades of experience in complex, high-value claims. We’re ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and our senior solicitors hold APIL accreditation as Senior Fellows and Senior Litigators, alongside membership of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel, the AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel, and the Brain Injury Group.
We act only for claimants, never for insurers or defendants. Our focus is entirely on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your child. We understand the emotional weight of bringing a claim like this, and we’ll support you with care and sensitivity at every stage.
Our Cambridge office is your nearest point of contact as a family based in or around Oxford. Families who’ve made the journey consistently tell us that the specialist expertise and quality of support our team provides makes it worthwhile. Virtual consultations are also available where that suits you better.
Cerebral palsy compensation claims fees
No win, no fee cerebral palsy claims
We can offer to fund cerebral palsy claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you usually won’t pay legal fees unless your claim succeeds. If it does, the defendant will typically cover the majority of your legal costs. We discuss fees transparently from the outset, so you’ll never face unexpected charges.
Legal Aid may also be available for cerebral palsy claims involving children where medical negligence is alleged in specific circumstances, and we’ll advise you on eligibility during your first consultation.
Contact our cerebral palsy claims solicitors in Oxford
If you believe negligent medical care may have caused your child’s cerebral palsy, our specialist team is ready to help. Call us on 0330 191 4864 or complete our online enquiry form. Our nearest office to Oxford is in Cambridge, and virtual appointments are available to make things as easy as possible for your family.