Maternity Negligence Claims
Giving birth to a child is one of the most wonderful events that can happen in a mother’s life and can bring untold joy to the parents and the rest of the family. However this special time can be devastated if something goes wrong during pregnancy or during the birth of the child. Injuries sustained can sometimes mean severe disability and be life changing. If injury occurs to the mother or baby then they may be entitled to claim compensation if the hospital or clinician is found to have been negligent.
This area law is extremely complicated and we at R James Hutcheon Solicitors aim to provide practical legal advice on maternity negligence claims and support during this traumatic time.
We will fight for an apology, for answers, why it went wrong and to stop it happening again. Ultimately this will lead to compensation for the pain and suffering that you and your family deserve.
Common Maternity Negligence claims
Below is just a summary of some common medical negligence cases involving child birth. If you are looking for other examples please read our blogs or contact our maternity unit negligence claims solicitors who will help you find answers to your queries.
Birth Injury & Pre-Eclampsia
Pre Eclampsia is a condition that affects some women and mostly occurs during the second half of the pregnancy or shortly after. It is caused by the placenta not developing properly due to problems with blood vessels associated with high blood pressure. If symptoms are not picked up and the condition is allowed to progress it could cause injury to the child as well as the mother. If there is a failure to diagnose by the maternity unit (doctors/mid-wife) causing injury then you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Birth Injury & Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a term relating to numerous neurological conditions which affect movement and co-ordination. The condition can occur if the brain develops an abnormality or is damaged through the gestation period, during the delivery of child and in rare cases shortly after birth. Cerebral Palsy can occur due to maternity negligence if there has been poor management of pregnancy or mistakes have been made during the delivery, which have resulted in a lack of oxygen to the baby. Regrettably brain injury or brain damage can occur which results in life-time care for the child.
Birth Injury & Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s Palsy is a condition which mainly occurs during the delivery of a child in which there is trauma. It can affect up to 5 of the primary nerves that supply the movement and feeling to an arm. The most common cause is dystocia, an abnormal or difficult childbirth due to excessive pulling of the shoulders during childbirth. Thorough management of gestation can prevent this condition through dietary advice or electing for a planned caesarean section.
Birth Injury & Delivery by Forceps
During child-birth it may be reasonable to assist the delivery by using forceps. Usually this is a step taken because the baby is distressed and needs to be delivered urgently. However if forceps are used at the wrong time or used incorrectly then it can cause scarring to the child’s face which can be permanent. There could also be nerve damage causing facial paralysis. If injury has been caused as a result of delivery by forceps then you may be entitled to claim compensation for maternity negligence.
Making a claim for compensation if you or your baby has been injured by delivery by forceps please contact us: compensation for injury to baby by forceps.
Birth Injury & Retained Placenta
Retained placenta is placenta that has not undergone placental expulsion within 30 minutes of the delivery of the baby. This can cause haemorrhaging or infection to the mother. In severe cases where it is unknown there are retained products it may need to be removed under general anaesthetic. Failure to diagnose retained placenta can be negligent and the injuries suffered could have been preventable meaning a claim for maternity negligence compensation could be possible. A claim for compensation for a birth injury and retained placenta may be considered, for further information on the subject please visit our page birth injury & retained placenta.
Advice When You Need Us
For sympathetic expert advice on making a maternity negligence claim or simply wanting a starting point to begin investigations please contact our birth injury solicitors now.
You can also email us or engage with our Live Chat facility.
