Hi, my name is Alison Brooks.

I am a clinical negligence solicitor and have been acting for children with cerebral palsy for over 30 years. I noticed a discussion about a family considering legal advice and realised that many families do not know that legal aid is still available for birth injury claims. The system is not as good as a few years ago but it is still worth considering legal aid. Usually you have to make a complaint to the hospital 1st. If anyone is unsure about making a complaint, I am happy to offer support to prepare the letter to the Trust. I am Chair of Trustees of a local charity in Nottingham supporting children with special needs and my firm is very involved with charity work. I am also a Law Society Clinical Negligence panel member and Honorary AvMA panel member.
Please note that very few cases involving cerebral palsy are due to medical errors, but a complaint can give families much needed answers. Doctors/midwives should now be more open about treatment and usually would be happy to meet with parents to discuss the medical care.
I hope this is helpful.
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For any users that want more information about clinical negligence, please go to:
https://www.scope.org.uk/support/families/negligence
Although we welcome signposting to places of support we hope that members understand that we don’t offer legal advice within the community