Giving birth to a child can be a truly wonderful occasion, and the feeling of becoming a new mother or father can be one of the most intensely marvellous feelings that one encounters in life. However if things go wrong during the birth, or the lead up to the birth, the effects can be devastating for the child, and the parents. If you suspect that the mother or baby’s injuries were a direct result of negligence on the part of the medical professional then you could be entitled to claim for compensation.
Injuries and issues during childbirth can occur for various reasons and it is often very tricky to prove precisely who is at fault; in some cases complications during the pregnancy or labour itself can cause the problems – this cannot be blamed upon the professionals trying to help.
Types of Birth Injury
Incorrect use of forceps
Forceps may be used during the delivery of the baby in order to help guide the baby’s head; this might be considered if the baby is in a difficult position or if the mother is too exhausted to push. In most cases the use of forceps is safe, but occasionally they can result in injuries to the mother or the baby itself.
Incorrect Suturing
There are guidelines set out by the Royal College of Midwives regarding the best techniques to repair trauma and tearing during childbirth. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in infection, bleeding and muscle damage.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that generally affects women during the second half of their pregnancy. Symptoms include increased blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine; both of which should be noted during the routine check-ups. Failure to diagnose the condition can lead to the development of ‘eclampsia’ which can affect both the other and the child.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a serious condition that can vary in severity, but has been proved to be more common in babies whom have been brain damaged through a lack of oxygen during birth.
What to do next
The details of any birth injury can differ slightly, but the fundamental principle remains the same: if your injury, or the injury to your baby was caused by the treatment which fell below the level you expected, then you may have been the victim of negligence and you could be entitled to claim for compensation. Contact our solicitors today to see if you could make a claim. They have years of experience in these kinds of cases and will swiftly be able to let you know where you stand.