Cerebral Palsy Claims — Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust

Cerebral palsy claims arise when medical negligence during labour and delivery causes oxygen deprivation (hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy) to a baby's brain. This can result in cerebral palsy — a lifelong condition affecting movement, posture, and coordination that often requires round-the-clock care.

Common causes include failure to monitor CTG (cardiotocograph) traces showing fetal distress, delays in performing emergency caesarean sections, failure to recognise or respond to umbilical cord complications, and inadequate resuscitation after birth.

The NHS Each Babies Count programme acknowledges that many cases of birth-related brain injury are preventable. Therapeutic hypothermia (cooling treatment) within 6 hours of birth can reduce brain damage, and failure to provide this treatment when indicated may itself constitute negligence.

Claims can be brought at any time before the child's 21st birthday. If the individual lacks mental capacity, there is no limitation period. Settlements regularly reach £5 million to £25 million, reflecting the cost of lifetime care including 24-hour support, physiotherapy, specialist education, and adaptive housing.