A brighter future secured for a young girl living with cerebral palsy after a birth injury

Working closely with a young girl’s family, Birth Injury Partner Sahida Patel has helped secure the long-term support she needs after experiencing a profound brain injury around the time of her birth.

For Charlotte* and her family, this outcome marks an important step toward stability, comfort, and the chance to build a future shaped around her strengths, her needs, and the things that bring her joy.

*Name changed to protect anonymity.

What you can expect in this case study:

• An explanation of Charlotte’s avoidable birth injuries.
• How Fletchers helped the family access therapies, equipment, and a safe, adapted home.
• How the £11 million settlement secures ongoing care, carers, and resources for Charlotte’s future.

Charlotte’s story

Charlotte lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, visual and intellectual impairment, epilepsy and significant feeding difficulties. Her injuries mean she will need round-the-clock support throughout her life.

When concerns were raised about the care provided during Charlotte’s birth, the hospital took part in the Early Notification Scheme, which is designed to help families understand what happened at an early stage. Following further enquiries, it was accepted that Charlotte’s injuries could have been avoided.

Supporting Charlotte’s needs from the beginning

While the final outcome was being agreed, Sahida and the team worked with the family to make sure Charlotte could begin receiving practical support straight away. This included helping the family move into a more suitable home environment, access essential equipment, arrange therapies and care and secure educational support so Charlotte could continue to learn, grow and thrive.

These early steps meant the family could focus on what matters most: caring for their daughter and planning for her future.

A settlement shaped around lifelong support

The agreed settlement over – £11 million – has been structured to ensure Charlotte’s needs are met throughout her life. It includes a significant lump sum and annual payments that will fund:

· A fully adapted home where she can live safely and comfortably

· A dedicated team of carers

· Ongoing therapies and specialist support

· Equipment and resources that help her participate in the world around her

Most importantly, this settlement gives Charlotte the opportunity to live a life filled with comfort, dignity, and the chance to enjoy the activities she loves.

A message from partner at Fletchers Solicitors Sahida Patel who led the legal team.

“Working with Charlotte’s family has been a privilege. Their strength, love and commitment to giving her the best possible life has guided every step of this journey.

We can’t change what happened, but knowing that Charlotte will soon have a safe, adapted home and a team around her to support her brings real comfort. I hope this allows the family to look ahead with greater confidence and enjoy more of the moments that truly matter.”

A message from Charlotte’s mum

“Thank you so much to Sahida and all her team for everything they have done for us. We had no clue where to start until we found this firm.

Our daughter needed the best people in her corner, and now- after so much hard work- we have an outcome that will change her life. This support means she can live more comfortably and have a better quality of life. We appreciate you all so much for the care and support throughout this journey.”

Here when you need us

At Fletchers Solicitors, our dedicated birth injury team supports families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Our work is about more than legal expertise – it’s about helping families secure stability, dignity and lifelong support.

If you believe your child has been affected by unsafe maternity or neonatal care, we’re here to listen and help you take the next step.

For every birth. For every baby. For every family.