Birth Injuries Claims
Birth Injuries Claims – Compassionate Legal Support for Families
The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but when medical negligence results in birth injuries, the consequences can be devastating. Both mothers and babies are vulnerable during pregnancy, labour, and delivery, and mistakes made by healthcare professionals can lead to life-changing outcomes. At Cooper Hall Solicitors, we understand the emotional and physical toll birth injuries have on families. Our expert solicitors are here to help you secure justice and compensation.
Serving clients nationwide, we provide compassionate, tailored legal support to help families rebuild their lives.
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What Are Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries refer to physical harm or trauma sustained by a baby or mother due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labour, or postnatal care. These injuries can result from errors made by midwives, obstetricians, or other healthcare professionals.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries:
• Failure to monitor the baby’s or mother’s vital signs.
• Delayed or incorrect responses to complications during labour.
• Errors during instrumental deliveries (e.g., forceps or vacuum extraction).
• Mismanagement of caesarean sections.
Impact of Birth Injuries:
• Long-term disabilities for the baby, such as cerebral palsy.
• Physical trauma or emotional distress for the mother.
• Financial strain due to ongoing medical care and support needs.
Our Expertise in Birth Injury Claims
At Cooper Hall Solicitors, we specialise in helping families affected by birth injuries secure the compensation they deserve. With extensive experience handling claims against NHS hospitals and private clinics, we ensure no detail is overlooked in building a strong case for our clients.
Why Choose Us?
- Dedicated birth injury solicitors with a proven track record.
- Compassionate support tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.
- A No Win, No Fee guarantee for financial peace of mind.
Types of birth injuries:
1. Birth Injuries to Babies
Babies are particularly vulnerable during childbirth, and even minor errors can lead to serious complications. Common injuries include:
• Brain Injuries: Caused by oxygen deprivation or delayed delivery.
• Fractures: Shoulder or collarbone injuries from difficult deliveries.
• Nerve Damage: Erb’s palsy caused by excessive force during delivery.
Consequences:
• Long-term medical needs and rehabilitation.
• Developmental delays or permanent disabilities.
2. Birth Injuries to Mothers
Maternal injuries are often overlooked, but negligence during childbirth can lead to severe physical and emotional trauma. Examples include:
• Perineal Tears: Improper episiotomy or mismanaged tearing during delivery.
• Haemorrhage: Failure to control excessive bleeding post-delivery.
• Infections: Neglecting hygiene protocols during or after childbirth.
What You Can Claim For:
• Pain and suffering due to physical injuries.
• Loss of earnings during recovery.
• Costs of additional surgeries or treatments.
3. Cerebral Palsy Claims
Cerebral palsy is one of the most severe birth injuries, often caused by oxygen deprivation during delivery. This lifelong condition can affect mobility, speech, and cognitive development.
Key Points:
• Claims focus on delays in performing emergency caesareans.
• Failure to monitor foetal distress signs during labour.
• Ensuring families receive compensation for ongoing care and specialist equipment.
4. Erb’s Palsy Claims
Erb’s palsy results from nerve damage during difficult deliveries, often due to excessive force or improper use of delivery tools.
What We Investigate:
• Whether the injury was preventable with proper technique.
• Long-term impact on the baby’s mobility and quality of life.
• Costs of physiotherapy or corrective surgeries.
5. Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Claims
The loss of a baby is an unimaginable tragedy. If negligence contributed to a stillbirth or neonatal death, families have the right to seek justice.
Examples Include:
• Failing to monitor and address complications during pregnancy.
• Delayed responses to maternal infections or conditions like preeclampsia.
• Errors in performing emergency procedures.
Compensation Covers:
• Emotional distress and counselling costs.
• Funeral expenses.
• Loss of income due to grieving periods.
6. Jaundice and Kernicterus Claims
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, caused by elevated bilirubin levels. While usually harmless and treatable, negligence in diagnosing or managing jaundice can result in severe complications, including kernicterus—a form of brain damage.
Key Concerns:
- Failure to Diagnose: Neglecting to identify signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Delayed Treatment: Not initiating timely phototherapy or other medical interventions to lower bilirubin levels.
- Improper Monitoring: Ignoring high-risk factors, such as prematurity or blood group incompatibilities, that increase the likelihood of severe jaundice.
Consequences:
- Kernicterus: Permanent brain damage leading to conditions like cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and developmental delays.
- Lifelong Care Needs: Ongoing medical treatments, therapies, and special education requirements.
What You Can Claim For:
- Compensation for medical expenses related to treatment and rehabilitation.
- Costs of specialist care and adaptive equipment for long-term needs.
- Emotional distress and impact on the family’s quality of life.
How Compensation Can Help
Compensation for birth injuries provides essential support for families, covering:
Medical Costs: Ongoing treatments, surgeries, and specialist care.
Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, speech therapy, or developmental support for affected children.
Loss of Earnings: Financial relief for parents unable to work while caring for an injured child.
Specialist Equipment: Funding for mobility aids, home adaptations, or assistive technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common injuries include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, maternal haemorrhages, and injuries caused by instrumental deliveries.
Evidence includes medical records, expert opinions, and proof that the standard of care provided fell below expectations.
Yes, compensation often includes emotional distress alongside physical and financial losses.
Compensation varies depending on the severity of the injury and its impact. For example, cerebral palsy claims can exceed £1 million due to lifelong care costs.
You typically have three years from the date of the injury or when you became aware of the negligence. For children, the time limit starts from their 18th birthday.
Most cases are resolved through negotiation, but if required, we’ll provide full representation in court.
Yes, many claims involve NHS trusts and are handled through NHS Resolution. We ensure the process is managed effectively.
Yes, parents can file claims on behalf of their children. The compensation is often held in a trust for the child’s benefit.
Claims can also be made against private healthcare providers if negligence caused harm.
Contact Cooper Hall Solicitors today for a free consultation. We’ll assess your case and guide you through the next steps.