Birth Related Medical Negligence Claims
As a Medical Negligence team at Advantage Solicitors, we have experienced solicitors who specialise in clinical negligence claims, including those related to birth. Our team handles a wide range of medical negligence matters.
- 0208 807 1676
Birth Related Medical Negligence
Birth-related medical negligence claims occurs when healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, resulting in harm to the baby or mother. These cases are often complex and require thorough evidence to prove negligence.
What is birth-related medical negligence?
Birth-related medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, midwife, or hospital) fails to provide proper medical care, leading to avoidable injuries or complications for the baby or mother, such as but not limited to :
Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress – Ignoring abnormal heart rate patterns or signs of oxygen deprivation.
Delayed or Improper C-Section – Not performing a cesarean section in time to prevent injury.
Misuse of Delivery Tools – Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extractors, causing trauma.
Medication Errors – Administering incorrect dosages of labor-inducing drugs (e.g., Pitocin) leading to complications.
Failure to Diagnose or Treat Infections – Maternal or fetal infections that go untreated can cause severe harm.
Negligence in Managing High-Risk Pregnancies – Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa require careful monitoring and treatment.
Common birth injuries due to medical negligence
Injuries to the baby:
Cerebral Palsy – Often caused by lack of oxygen during labor and delivery.
Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb’s Palsy) – Nerve damage due to excessive force during delivery.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) – Brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
Fractures & Skull Injuries – May occur due to improper use of forceps or excessive force.
Stillbirth or Neonatal Death – In cases of severe negligence.
Injuries to the Mother:
Hemorrhage (Excessive Bleeding) – Failure to control bleeding can be fatal.
Infections – Resulting from improper sterilization or failure to treat postpartum infections.
Ruptured Uterus – Can occur due to improper handling of labor, especially in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
Anesthesia Errors – Incorrect epidural or spinal anesthesia administration leading to complications.
Common birth injuries due to medical negligence
To succeed in a birth-related medical negligence claim, the following must be proven:
- Duty of Care – The healthcare provider had a duty to provide competent medical care.
- Breach of Duty – The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
- Causation – The negligence directly caused injury to the baby or mother.
- Damages – The injury resulted in measurable harm (e.g., medical expenses, disability, pain and suffering).
Concerned About an Birth Injuries?
If you believe you have suffered from an birth-related medical negligence, or are unsure whether your experience qualifies, please use the form below to contact us. Our medical negligence team will get back to you shortly.
Take Advantage of Our Free Consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand whether you may have a valid medical negligence claim. Our team can assess the potential of your case and advise you on the next steps.
How Can We Help?
Our specialist solicitors may help you claim compensation and therefore, please contact Advantage Solicitors for a free consultation to assess the merits of your potential case.