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Maternity & Pregnancy Negligence Claims

Our expert and professional team of maternity negligence lawyers have years of experience in representing a range of clients in pregnancy and birth injury claims. 

Maternity Negligence Lawyers

Pregnancy and childbirth can be challenging but even more so if you or your child suffers due to maternity negligence. Mistakes made during maternity care can sometimes even result in devastating and life-altering consequences.

If you, your child or a loved one has suffered due to maternity or pregnancy negligence, our expert and empathetic maternity lawyers could help you to make a claim.

To speak to one of our team, with no obligation to proceed, call us on 0330 100 1014 or fill out our online form.

What is maternity negligence?

Poor care by maternity professionals can sometimes result in injuries to the child or mother, or both, that could have otherwise been avoided. This is known as maternity negligence. Injuries and complications can range in severity from mild to serious and, in some tragic circumstances, severe disabilities or even death. Consequences for the victim and their family can be life-altering.

Maternity medical negligence can happen at birth or during a pregnancy. It can occur just before, during or after the birth or at any time while the mother is pregnant.

Fortunately, most pregnancies and births proceed with no complications but, sadly, in some circumstances, maternity negligence can and does happen. According to the latest NHS Resolution Annual report, there were 1,243 obstetrics (maternity-related) claims in 2021/22 which equated to 12% of all clinical negligence claims. Shockingly, maternity negligence claims also made up 60% (equal to £6,033.4 million) of the entire payout bill.

Consequences of maternity negligence

Substandard care from a medical maternity professional such as a doctor, midwife, radiographer or nurse might relate to the monitoring of a mother and baby, treatment provided or the delivery itself. Such consequences can include:

  • Undiagnosed or misdiagnosed conditions or infections
  • Undetected abnormalities
  • Failure to recognise potential birth complications
  • Incorrect use of forceps or ventouse
  • Failed sterilisation
  • Failure to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy

Common injuries due to maternity or pregnancy negligence 

Whilst there are a range of injuries and complications that can occur due to maternity negligence, there are some common examples that can affect a mother or child.

Injuries to the mother

While vaginal tears are the most common injury that mothers are likely to suffer from during childbirth, there are other potential consequences including:

  • Tears during childbirth
  • Ruptured uterus and placenta
  • Haemorrhage
  • Retained instruments or swabs
  • Retained placenta
  • Unmanaged pre-eclampsia
  • Organ injuries after caesarean section
  • Psychological trauma
  • Injuries to the mother can also include, albeit rare, brain injuries and even death. The main causes of such severe injuries and fatalities are severe bleeding, infection and pre-eclampsia. However, these complications can usually be prevented with proper management and monitoring.

Injuries to the child

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Erb’s palsy
  • Birth defects
  • Brain injuries
  • Hip injuries
  • Fractures
  • Stillbirth or neonatal death

It is important to remember that these lists are not exhaustive and, if you, your child or a loved one has suffered any type of injury or complication due to maternity negligence, we could help.

How we can help

We understand that pregnancy and birth injuries and complications, such as those listed above, can have devastating physical and emotional effects that can often last for the rest of your life. We also know that talking to someone about your experience can be difficult. That’s why we have a team of professional, friendly and empathetic experts who will listen to your story and help you to decide whether to proceed with a maternity negligence claim.

We can let you know whether we think that you have a case that is likely to result in being awarded compensation and we will not pressurise you to go ahead if you do not feel ready to do so. Your initial chat will involve our maternity lawyers understanding the details of your situation and you will be under no obligation to proceed.

If you feel ready to take the initial step, call our compassionate team on 0330 100 1014.

Submit an enquiry below

Maternity Negligence Claims

Our maternity negligence cases

Why choose Freeths’ maternity negligence team?

Our expert and professional team of maternity negligence lawyers have years of experience in representing a range of clients in pregnancy and birth injury claims.

  • Our team are empathetic, understanding and trustworthy and can provide expert and compassionate advice.
  • We are ranked as a leading company by The Legal 500 and Chambers. We are also proud to hold a variety of awards and accreditations for our consistent high standard of service.
  • We have three lawyers who are members of the AvMA Panel as well as three Law Society accredited lawyers.
  • We have 13 offices in major cities across the UK, so it is easy to find a local team near you.
  • We work with local communities and charities to make a positive difference to the lives of young people, accident victims and those who are disadvantaged. We also mentor law students across the country.
  • We are honest and friendly and strive to understand the individual needs of all of our clients.

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We are celebrating another year of accreditations and rankings.

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Meet the team

Carolyn Lowe's Profile

Carolyn Lowe

Partner & Head of Clinical Negligence for the South

Karen Reynolds's Profile

Karen Reynolds

Partner & Head of Clinical Negligence for Derby, West Midlands & North West

Jane Williams's Profile

Jane Williams

Partner, Head of Medical Negligence, East Midlands & North East

Phillip McGough's Profile

Phillip McGough

Clinical Negligence Executive

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