Spina bifida and hydrocephalus claims
If you or your family have suffered from negligent treatment resulting in spina bifida, hydrocephalus or associated conditions, our team of medical negligence solicitors can help you pursue a claim for compensation. To speak with one of our neurology negligence experts call 0800 358 3848 or complete our online enquiry form.
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida, or 'split spine' is a condition arising when the spinal cord and vertebrae do not develop as they should. It is unknown what causes the condition, but a lack of folic acid prior to and in the early stage of pregnancy is a known risk factor.
There are various types of Spina Bifida: spina bifida occulta, the most common and least serious form, to myelomeningocele (also known as open spinal bifida), the most severe form whereby a baby's spinal cord remains open and the spinal cord and protective membranes push out and form a sac in the baby's back.
Open spina bifida can usually be diagnosed at the 20-week pregnancy scan, but occasionally the condition is not recognised. In certain circumstances, parents would chose to terminate the pregnancy had the condition been correctly diagnosed and therefore bring a wrongful birth claim following delayed diagnosis. A delay in diagnosis can also mean that corrective surgery may not be possible or as effective by the time it is diagnosed.
The condition is often treated with surgery shortly after birth, although sometimes prenatal surgery is also possible. The results of surgery and the effect of the condition vary greatly from case to case.
Our specialist spina bifida solicitors have acted for clients suffering significant difficulties, including needing full time wheelchair use, bowel and bladder incontinence and cognitive impairment.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus, or 'water on the brain' is a condition where there is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, compressing the surrounding tissue and causing increased pressure inside of the skull.
It can be congenital or acquired with various causes, many impossible to predict or prevent. Occasionally, the condition is a result of negligent treatment. Whatever the cause, the impact is the same, increased pressure leading to damage to the brain, particularly if left untreated.
Symptoms depend on the severity of the condition, but typically include headaches, blurred vision, altered mental state and reduced mobility. The condition is a medical emergency and should be diagnosed via an appropriate scan and treated as a priority.
Treatment of the condition involves inserting a shunt into the brain to drain away the excess CSF.
Claims arise for a number of reasons including a delay in recognising and treating the condition, negligent shunt surgery or delays in recognising a blocked shunt that needs replacing.
The effects of negligent treatment can be catastrophic, often resulting in permanent brain damage and substantial claims for compensation.
Our team of specialist hydrocephalus solicitors can advise if you have a claim and how to proceed.
Fieldfisher is a member of Shine's Legal Service
Shine is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Shine’s aim is to make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, enabling and empowering their members to lead the lives they want to live.
We recovered £120,000 for Allan's parents following his death in hospital after neurosurgery to unblock a shunt.
Mark Bowman
Recent cases
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Our spina bifida and hydrocephalus experts
Our award-winning team believes in putting clients first. We are dedicated to achieving the best results possible and pride ourselves on our sensitive approach. Any of our spina bifida and hydrocephalus claims experts below will be pleased to discuss your case and offer free advice over the phone.
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Head of Personal Injury and Medical Negligence
Iona Meeres-Young
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London, England
- 0330 460 6769
- Email Iona
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Partner
Mark Bowman
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Partner
Samantha Critchley
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London, England
- 0330 460 6812
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Partner
Julia Hamilton
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Manchester, England
- 0330 460 6780
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Partner
Lindsay Holt
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Manchester, England
- 0330 460 6789
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Partner
Claire Horton
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Manchester, England
- 0330 460 6748
- Email Claire
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Partner
Paul McNeil
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Partner
Kate Rohde
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London, England
- 0330 460 6781
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Partner
Arti Shah
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London, England
- 0330 460 6739
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Partner
Jenny Urwin
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Manchester, England
- 0330 460 6776
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Partner
Jane Weakley
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London, England
- 0330 460 6773
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Partner
Jonathan Zimmern
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London, England
- 0330 460 6779
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Director
Marcos Eleftheriou
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London, England
- 0330 460 6352
- Email Marcos
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Director
Caron Heyes
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London, England
- 0330 460 6743
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Director
Will Jones
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London, England
- 0330 460 6822
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Director
Deborah Nadel
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London, England
- 0330 460 6750
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Director
Punam Sood
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London, England
- 0330 460 5952
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Director
Helen Thompson
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London, England
- 0330 460 6765
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Senior Associate
Sevim Ahmet
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London, England
- 0330 460 6816
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Senior Associate
Suzanne Farg
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London, England
- 0330 460 6819
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Senior Associate
Christina Gardiner
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London, England
- 0330 460 6746
- Email Christina
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Senior Associate
Emma Kendall
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London, England
- 0330 460 6755
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Senior Associate
Nilam Patel
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London, England
- 0330 460 6801
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Associate
Rebecca Drew
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Associate
Libby Ferrier
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London, England
- 0330 460 7178
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Associate
Gabriella Gooday
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London, England
- 0330 460 6758
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Associate
Jamie Green
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London, England
- 0330 460 6771
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Associate
Sarah Kingsley Fried
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London, England
- 0330 460 6815
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Solicitor
Louise Astill
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London, England
- 0330 460 6147
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Solicitor
Heidi Brotherton
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Manchester, England
- 0330 460 6763
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Solicitor
Mikhail Popov
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London, England
- 0330 460 7236
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Solicitor
Ella Thornton
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Manchester, England
- 0330 460 7214
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Legal Executive
Henry Kirwan
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London, England
- 0330 460 6766
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Chartered Legal Executive
Marlena Mistak
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London, England
- 0330 460 6795
- Email Marlena
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Solicitor Apprentice
Jess Gurzynski
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London, England
- 0330 460 6777
- Email Jess
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Solicitor Apprentice
Amba Minhas
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London, England
- 0330 460 7124
- Email Amba
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Why choose Fieldfisher's medical negligence team?
Settlements
We achieve record damages for people suffering serious injury following medical negligence. Last year, we recovered more than £200m in compensation claims.
Experience
We have more than 30 years' experience pursuing claims for people injured by medical negligence, clinical negligence, medical accidents and medical mistakes.
Recognised
We are ranked top tier in leading legal directories and regularly recognised in industry awards. We are accredited by APIL, panel members of AvMA and members of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel.
Top-notch clinical negligence team with a wealth of experience in complex, high-profile cases. Highly regarded for its extensive expertise in obstetric and birth injury claims.
Chambers and Partners 2020
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For a free, no obligation call with one of our medical negligence experts, please dial 0800 358 3848 or complete our online enquiry form.