Navigating the aftermath of a birth or gynaecological injury can be overwhelming. Our specialised team of medical negligence solicitors is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us for Your Claim?
Expertise in Birth and Gynaecological Claims
Our solicitors specialise in handling claims related to birth injuries and gynaecological procedures, offering deep knowledge and experience to effectively advocate for your rights.
Compassionate Support
We understand the emotional and physical toll these injuries can take. Our team provides empathetic and personalised support to help ease your burden during this challenging time.
Proven Track Record
With a history of successful claims, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, helping families move forward with confidence.
Common Types of Claims
Birth Injury to Mothers
Childbirth is meant to be a joyous event, yet complications can result in enduring physical and psychological effects. If you have experienced a birth injury due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims for birth and gynaecological injuries can arise from issues during childbirth or surgeries like hysterectomy, oophorectomy, embolisation, laparoscopic procedures, sterilisation, bladder perforation, or perineal tears. Our team has extensive experience handling these types of claims and will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected.
Forceps injury claims
When a birth is not progressing as it should, tools such as forceps may be used to deliver the baby. Medical negligence may occur if the medical practitioner does not use the forceps properly. This can cause injury to the mother or the baby. If you have suffered injury through the improper use of forceps by a medical professional, you should speak to a personal injuries solicitor as soon as possible.
Medical negligence that can lead to forceps injury claims may include:
- Poor manipulation of the baby during delivery
- Inadequate response to an emergency situation
- Blunt force trauma to the baby or the mother
- Delay removing the baby from the birth canal due to improper forceps use, placing prolonged pressure on the baby’s body
- Vaginal tear injuries
Perineal tear injury claims
Perineal or vaginal tears involve a split in the skin and muscles between the vagina and the rectum, usually during a natural childbirth. It is a common occurrence in vaginal births, but it can be caused by negligent medical treatment.
Effects of perineal tear injuries
Women who carry babies weighing more than 8lb or 4kg are more likely to suffer a perineal tear. The risk is also higher during labours in which the second stage happens quickly or when assisted delivery (using a forceps or ventouse) is required.
The injury can cause severe pain to the pelvic and abdominal areas, negatively affecting the bonding between mother and child and increasing the risk of postnatal depression.
Symptoms can be long-lasting and cause serious pain and suffering in a woman’s life. If a woman suffers a perineal tear injury without a clear reason, it may be worth reviewing medical records to see if medical negligence occurred.
Gynaecological Claims
Gynaecological procedures can also result in injuries due to medical negligence. These procedures include fertility treatments, hysterectomies, tubal ligation
Birth Injury to Babies
Birth injuries can also occur to the baby during childbirth, resulting in long-term disabilities, developmental delays or even death. These injuries can arise from negligence during pregnancy, delivery or postnatal care. Our solicitors have helped families obtain compensation for birth injuries such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, brachial plexus injury and brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
Cerebral Palsy Claims
Cerebral Palsy can result from improper medical care during pregnancy or delivery. Our team can guide you in pursuing a claim if negligence is suspected to be the cause.
Erb’s Palsy Disorder Claims
If your child has suffered nerve damage during birth, leading to Erb’s Palsy, we can help you explore your legal options for securing the support they need.
Facial paralysis claims
Facial paralysis is one of the most common reasons for childbirth malpractice claims. Facial nerve palsy caused by birth trauma is the loss of voluntary muscle movement in a baby’s face due to pressure on the facial nerve in the face just before or during birth.
If you are considering making a facial paralysis claim, you need to prove that the birth injury was caused by a third party’s negligence. This kind of birth injury can have lasting effects on the child’s quality of life.
Fractured bones claims
Damage from instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors is the most common cause of infant skull fractures during childbirth.
Rare bone diseases can also result in infant fractures. Among such conditions are osteopetrosis, infantile severe hypophosphatasia, congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis, congenital rickets, and congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
To make a claim for fractured bones during childbirth, you will need to establish that the injury was caused by the actions or negligence of a third party.
Lack of oxygen (hypoxia) claims
Hypoxia occurs when a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen to its brain before, during, or after delivery. The condition can cause brain injury, and if it’s not treated properly, it could progress to a permanent disorder, such as cerebral palsy, cognitive deficiencies, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
As with all personal injuries claims, you will need to establish that the hypoxia occurred due to the actions or negligence of somebody else.
Spinal injuries claims
A spinal injury can occur during birth if a medical practitioner damages the baby’s neck by pulling, twisting, or using tools to remove the baby from the birth canal. If damage to the spine before birth goes undiagnosed, this can also cause a spinal injury during delivery.
To make a spinal injuries claim, you should consult an experienced solicitor. They will guide you through the process of establishing liability and pursuing the claim.
Untreated jaundice claims
Jaundice is extremely common in newborn babies, but treatment is usually only needed if your baby has high levels of a substance called bilirubin in their blood. Most babies with jaundice will not require treatment because the level of bilirubin in their blood is low. In these cases, the jaundice usually disappears with a fortnight and causes no harm to your baby.
In rare cases, severe jaundice that goes untreated can result in a condition called kernicterus. This is a form of brain damage caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. It can lead to athetoid cerebral palsy and hearing loss.
If your baby has become ill due to untreated jaundice, you may be entitled to make a claim.
How It Works
- Initial Consultation – Discuss your case with our expert solicitors for free.
- Case Evaluation – We assess the merits of your claim and explain the process.
- Legal Representation – If you decide to proceed, we’ll handle everything from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to make a claim?
Generally, you have two years from the date of injury or from when you first became aware of it. However, exceptions may apply, particularly in cases involving children.
What compensation can I expect?
Compensation varies based on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. It often covers medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Do I need to go to court?
Most cases settle out of court. If a trial becomes necessary, our team will fully prepare you and be by your side throughout the process.
Start Your Journey to Justice
Don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards resolution.
