birth injury

 

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Whilst giving birth to a child is usually an elating experience, for an unfortunate few it can be extremely traumatic and occasionally resulting in injury to either the mother or the baby (or both).

 

Examples of birth injuries that can be sustained are as follows: (Please note that this list is not intended to be exhaustive)

 

injury to baby

 

  • Erb’s Palsy – shoulder dystocia
  • Strep B infection
  • Hiyperbilirubinaemia/Jaundice
  • Trauma injury from assisted delivery
  • Stillbirth

 

injury to mother

 

  • Significant tearing/ poor episiotomy repair
  • Massive post partum haemorrhage
  • Pre eclampsia/HELLP Syndrome
  • Traumatic injury from assisted delivery
  • Caesarean Section wound infection
  • Death during childbirth

 

At Blake Lapthorn we are experienced in investigating the management of pregnancy, labour, delivery and post natal care. 

 

The first step in investigating a potential clinical negligence claim relating to the birth of a baby is for us to review the relevant medical records in detail.  If, after reviewing these records, it appears as though there are good grounds for further investigating a potential clinical negligence claim, we have established relationships with a wide range of medical experts who are able to provide an independent opinion on the standard of care and treatment that you and your baby received.  If there are areas of your care which the expert feels fall below an acceptable standard, it is then necessary to investigate whether this error has caused the injury that you or your child have sustained.   Again, we have a large network of medical experts who are able to advise on this issue.

 

With a significant number of years experience within the Clinical Negligence claim team at Blake Lapthorn, we also have contacts with various other professionals who may be able to assist in arranging any necessary future treatment, and in providing ongoing care that may be required as a result of the injuries you or your baby have suffered.   We also have links with a number of other organisations and charities who may be able to assist you and shall be happy to refer you appropriately.

 

Funding of the investigation will depend upon the circumstances of the claim and we shall be happy to discuss the options available to you.  It is to be noted that children who have been injured as a result of clinical negligence are very often entitled to public funding to enable a potential claim to be investigated.

 

For further information please contact Alison McClure in the Clinical Negligence team on 023 8085 7345 or email alison.mcclure@bllaw.co.uk.