World Cerebral Palsy Day takes place on 6 October. This year’s #UniqueANDUnited campaign celebrates the individuality of people living with cerebral palsy and asks what changes could make a difference to their lives.
Every person with cerebral palsy has different experiences, needs and priorities. For children and their families, early access to much needed support, appropriate equipment and accessible accommodation can be an important part of managing everyday life.
For one family we represent we were able to obtain an interim payment following settlement of liability for a clinical negligence claim. This interim payment has helped the family to make some important changes possible.
Making changes to meet a child’s needs
The family had previously been living in unsuitable accommodation that was not suitable for their child’s needs. There was no space for the much needed equipment, and the property had no space for a lift meaning that the parents had to carry the child (aged 8) up and down the stairs multiple times each day. This was not only unsafe for the child but also dangerous for the parents and causing health problems for them both.
An interim payment has now enabled them to move into more suitable single level accommodation and obtain appropriate equipment such as a wet room and hoists throughout the property which removes the need for the parents to do any further lifting or carrying of the child.
For a child with cerebral palsy, having suitable and accessible accommodation and the necessary equipment that meets their individual needs can support everyday care, mobility, safety and independence.
Because we were able to obtain an interim payment before final settlement of the claim, it means the family has been able to make these changes now while the legal claim is still ongoing rather than at some point in the future when the claim concludes.
What is an interim payment?
An interim payment is a payment of compensation made before a clinical negligence claim has reached its conclusion. It will be deducted off any final settlement figure.
Where the circumstances and evidence support it, an interim payment can provide financial support for a child’s immediate or ongoing needs while the full value of the claim is assessed.
This can be used towards things such as suitable accommodation, specialist equipment, care, case management, rehabilitation or therapy.
Every child has different needs
The #UniqueANDUnited campaign highlights that there are 50 million people living with cerebral palsy worldwide, each with their own individual experiences, priorities and ideas about what needs to change.
For some, the change they want might be greater accessibility. For others, it could be better access to education, employment, technology or support.
For the family we represent, the key thing was having a home and equipment to support their child’s needs and this is already making not only a huge practical difference to the family, but is also allowing the child to perform to the best of his abilities, and he is now doing things that the family never thought he was capable of. This serves to illustrate that having the correct equipment and support really can make all the difference.
Supporting children and families
World Cerebral Palsy Day is about celebrating individuality, challenging the existing assumptions and listening to the voices of individuals who have cerebral palsy and their families. The campaign encourages people to share the changes they want to see and take action towards a more inclusive world.
For families affected by cerebral palsy following medical negligence, appropriate legal advice can sometimes help secure financial support while a claim is ongoing, as well as addressing longer-term needs.
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy may have resulted from medical negligence, our clinical negligence team can provide advice about your circumstances and the options available – call or email today.
