Birth Injury Claims arise when medical staff delivering a baby cause harm to the baby or mother due to negligence. Having a healthy birth without complications is what every party involved in a pregnancy hopes for. Unfortunately, accidents can happen during pregnancy, delivery, or postnatal care. Sometimes injuries are not immediately noticeable and can manifest months or even years after birth. If your baby or you have suffered a birth injury, you may be entitled to compensation through birth injury claims.
Common Types of Birth Injury Claims
Birth Injuries
These injuries occur during or immediately after the delivery process and can include nerve damage, broken bones, or brain injury. While some injuries may be unavoidable, such as when a baby is in a breech position, negligence by medical staff can also lead to preventable harm. Filing birth injury claims ensures families have access to support and justice.
Birth Defects
A birth defect happens when the baby is developing in the womb and can affect any part of the baby’s body. Some defects occur naturally, while others may result from exposure to toxins or medications taken by the mother. Where medical negligence contributes, families may pursue birth injury claims.
Injury to the Baby – Birth Injury Claims
To have a valid birth injury claim, it is important to show that the injury resulted from negligence by medical staff. Birth injuries can have long-term effects on a child’s quality of life. Some common childbirth injuries include:
Seizures
Hip Dysplasia
Brain Damage
Perinatal Asphyxia (baby does not receive enough oxygen)
Cerebral Palsy
Erb’s Palsy
Pelvic Injuries During Birth
Untreated Jaundice, Kernicterus, Hyperbilirubinemia
Stillbirth
Our solicitors can guide you through birth injury claims, helping you collect evidence and build a strong case.
Injury to the Mother – Birth Injury Claims
Mothers may also suffer injuries during childbirth due to inadequate medical care. Common issues include:
Complications from forceps delivery
Abnormal bleeding
Pelvic injuries during birth
Vaginal tears or lacerations
Incorrect Caesarean section
Infection
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Wrongful death
We ensure that birth injury claims for mothers are handled with care.
Time Limits for Birth Injury Claims
The time period to file birth injury claims depends on the circumstances:
For children: Claims can be made any time before the child’s 18th birthday.
For mothers: Claims must be filed within two years of the injury.
Filing promptly is crucial to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Contact Our Solicitors
If you or your child has suffered a birth injury, get in contact with one of our solicitors today. You may be entitled to compensation, and our team will guide you through birth injury claims with compassion and care.
- Date last updated: August 24, 2021
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Sarah McAuley is head of our Litigation Department. If you have been subject to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to Sarah today to discuss in complete confidentiality what options are open to you.
Call us today on (01) 454 5000 or contact us online.
