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Birth injury due to prolonged or obstructed labour

The birth of a child should be a joyous and memorable occasion. However, when medical professionals fail to manage prolonged or obstructed labour appropriately, it can lead to devastating and life-changing injuries for both mother and child. At Stephensons, our specialist medical negligence solicitors understand the emotional and physical challenges families face after birth injuries and we are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation and support you deserve.

 

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What is birth injury due to prolonged or obstructed labour?

Prolonged or obstructed labour occurs when a baby is unable to progress through the birth canal in a safe or timely manner, leading to complications. This situation requires careful monitoring and timely intervention by medical professionals to prevent injury. Failure to act swiftly and appropriately can result in significant long-term harm, including brain injuries, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, nerve injuries such as Erb's palsy, or even traumatic birth injuries for the mother, such as severe tearing or haemorrhaging.

Medical staff have a duty to identify risks, monitor mother and baby continuously, and take necessary actions—including assisted deliveries or emergency caesarean sections—to minimise potential harm. Negligence occurs when these responsibilities are overlooked or delayed unnecessarily, resulting in avoidable harm to mother or child.

Can you claim compensation for birth injury due to prolonged or obstructed labour?

If you or your child has sustained an injury as a result of prolonged or obstructed labour and believe medical negligence was involved, you may be eligible to claim compensation. To establish a successful claim, it must be shown that the care provided by your medical provider fell below acceptable standards and directly caused or contributed to the birth injury.

Compensation in birth injury cases can provide crucial financial support for medical treatments, rehabilitation, specialist equipment, adaptive living arrangements and loss of earnings. Our experienced solicitors at Stephensons will guide you clearly and sensitively through the claims process, thoroughly investigating your case and providing straightforward advice every step of the way.

Why choose us?

At Stephensons, we understand the profound impact birth injuries can have on families and their future. Our medical negligence team possesses extensive specialist expertise, powered by decades of experience, successfully representing families in complex birth injury claims.

Stephensons is recognised nationally, holding accreditations from prominent legal bodies, including the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Accreditation and Lexcel accreditation for superior client care and practice management. As award-winning solicitors, we pride ourselves on a compassionate yet tenacious approach, tailored uniquely to each client's circumstances. Our reputation is built on securing substantial compensation awards that genuinely enhance the quality of life for families affected by medical negligence.

How we can help

We understand the emotional turmoil and financial strain you may be experiencing following a birth injury. Our compassionate team will listen to your story confidentially, assess your case thoroughly and advise you honestly on your prospects for a successful claim. We will support you at every stage—from gathering evidence and securing expert medical assessments, through negotiation with healthcare insurers and NHS Trusts, to representing your interests robustly in Court, if necessary.

Our primary aim is to deliver justice for you and your family, managing your claim efficiently and sensitively, and guiding you clearly through each stage of the process. With Stephensons by your side, you can confidently pursue compensation, enabling access to essential medical care, support, and peace of mind to rebuild your life.

Contact us today

If you or your loved ones have suffered a birth injury due to prolonged or obstructed labour, please contact Stephensons today. Call us now on 0161 696 6165, or fill in our enquiry form and one of our specialist solicitors will call you back promptly to discuss your situation discreetly and compassionately.

Frequently asked questions about birth injury due to prolonged or obstructed labour

What kind of injuries can occur due to prolonged labour?

Injuries can include cerebral palsy, brain damage, nerve injuries such as Erb’s palsy, hypoxia-related injuries, developmental delays, and also serious maternal injuries such as severe haemorrhaging, severe perineal tearing or long-term pelvic damage.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

Typically, claims on behalf of children should be made by their 21st birthday (three years from when the child legally becomes an adult at 18). However, we strongly recommend consulting one of our specialist solicitors as soon as possible to ensure crucial evidence is preserved.

Who can make a compensation claim?

Parents or other legal guardians usually claim on behalf of injured children. Mothers who suffered personal injury during childbirth may make a separate claim for their own injuries and emotional trauma.

How much compensation could we receive?

The compensation amount varies according to each claim’s specific circumstances. Factors include the severity of the injury, ongoing care needs, treatment costs, loss of income and associated financial impact. At Stephensons, we'll carefully and accurately assess the value of your claim, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you have any further questions or wish to discuss your situation confidentially, don’t hesitate to contact our expert medical negligence team today on 0161 696 6165.

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