You can plan for many things in your life, but no one can prepare for their child suffering a serious injury or illness. When the unexpected happens, it can be hard to know where to turn, which is why we’re here, to protect what matters most.
Everyone needs a lawyer at some time in their lives. If you or your loved one has been affected by medical negligence then our experts understand what you’re going through.
We pride ourselves on getting our clients access to the best possible rehabilitation, medical care and support. As well as giving them the answers they’re searching for and the compensation they deserve.
This is what we’re doing for Zach and his family, whose lives were changed forever when he sustained a brain injury at birth. This is his story, as told by his mum Claire.
“I still remember as if it was yesterday but I’m sure all mothers do, the day you bring a child into the world. You plan it, you lay awake thinking about it, you dream about it – it’s meant to be perfect, but sadly for Zach and me, it was a nightmare.
My son was born at full term following a problem-free pregnancy, but it was clear straight away that something was wrong. He was pale and floppy and needed resuscitation after the birth.
There were also problems intubating Zach, and it took around 10 minutes to ventilate him so he could breathe properly. He was then transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit and ventilated for two days as we all waited, hoping he’d make it through.
After suffering a brain injury at birth, Zach was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three years old. That’s when I contacted Irwin Mitchell to see if they could find out exactly what happened to my son and help me get the specialist care and equipment he needed. I’m so glad I did.
Zach’s condition means that he has difficulties with his mobility and cognitive development and also lives with epilepsy. In the early stages of our claim, Rachelle, our solicitor, managed to get us interim payments. That meant Zach could benefit from seeing a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist, and a physiotherapist to help with his mobility.
Zach is brave, he is brilliant and he believes that anything is possible – and the team of experts that he has around him makes a massive difference to how he feels, and what he can do.
Earlier this year, Zach started walking independently without his frame. In June, he took on the 2.6 Challenge, a nationwide fundraising event held this year in place of the London Marathon. He successfully completed 130 laps of our garden, raising more than £20,000 for the Epilepsy Society.
Zach makes me smile every single day and I’m so proud of my son. Whatever challenges are ahead, we’ll tackle them together, knowing he has the best possible support and rehabilitation.
Irwin Mitchell helped me to protect what matters most.”
If your child has been affected by a birth injury, our medical negligence solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation too. Read more about birth injury claims or contact us today to speak to an advisor.
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