What is a severe birth injury?
A severe birth injury is harm sustained by an infant before, during, or shortly after birth, which results in lasting damage, disability, or medical conditions. These injuries can include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation (birth asphyxia), severe fractures, spinal cord injuries, and neurological trauma. Such injuries often arise due to mismanagement of labour, delayed intervention, improper use of birth-aiding tools like forceps and ventouse, as well as failing to identify or adequately respond to complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
Severe birth injuries can significantly affect the child’s physical and cognitive development throughout their lifetime, creating the need for extensive medical treatment, specialist therapy and continuous care. This long-term support can place considerable financial and emotional strain on families, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate legal advice from experienced solicitors.
Can you claim compensation for severe birth injury claims?
To make a successful compensation claim for a severe birth injury, it is essential to establish that medical negligence directly contributed to the child’s injuries. Medical negligence occurs when the healthcare professional or institution fails to provide an acceptable standard of care during pregnancy, labour or delivery, resulting in avoidable harm to the mother or the baby.
Stephensons' expert team can assist you by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your case, gathering medical records, and consulting leading medical experts to establish fault. If negligence can be proven, compensation can be awarded for:
- Pain and suffering the child experienced and may continue to experience due to their injury
- Ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation and therapies
- The cost of specialist equipment and adaptations to your home or vehicle
- Loss of earnings, when parents or carers are unable to continue working
- Future care and support expenses to ensure the child's long-term wellbeing and quality of life
Why choose us for severe birth injury claims?
Stephensons is a respected national law firm with extensive experience and expertise in medical negligence claims, including cases involving severe birth injuries. Our highly qualified solicitors have successfully represented numerous families facing birth-related injuries, securing substantial compensation to help alleviate financial burdens and improve quality of life.
We hold accreditation from the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence panel, reflecting our quality, expertise and commitment to excellence in handling complex medical negligence claims. Additionally, our client-focused approach means we combine expert legal advice with compassion and understanding, ensuring your family’s needs remain at the forefront of our work throughout your claim.
How we can help
At Stephensons, our experienced clinical negligence solicitors will offer personal support and clear legal advice to guide you through the claims process. Our comprehensive services include:
- An initial free consultation to review your case and advise on its strength
- Comprehensive investigation and analysis of medical records and evidence
- Collaboration with industry-leading medical experts to build your case
- Negotiation and representation in seeking maximum compensation
- Access to rehabilitation specialists and support services to ensure your child's ongoing care needs are fully met
- A no-win, no-fee arrangement to ensure you suffer no financial risk
Contact Stephensons today
If your child has experienced a severe birth injury and you believe it was due to medical negligence, contact our experienced clinical negligence solicitors today at Stephensons. Call us on 0161 696 6165 to discuss your case in confidence, or fill in our enquiry form for a callback from our specialist legal team. We are here to support your family every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions about severe birth injury claims
How long do I have to make a severe birth injury claim?
Generally, severe birth injury claims must be made before the child's 21st birthday. However, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to preserve evidence and ensure the best possible outcome.
How long does a severe birth injury claim take?
The length of the claim depends on the circumstances, complexity, and severity of the injury. Complex birth injury claims may take several years to conclude, particularly if liability is disputed. We strive for timely resolutions while prioritising the best outcome for your family.
Will I have to go to court?
While many birth injury claims are settled out of court through negotiation, some cases may proceed to court especially when liability is disputed. If your claim does require court proceedings, our solicitors will provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire process.
What costs are involved in a severe birth injury claim?
Stephensons offers a no-win, no-fee arrangement for severe birth injury claims. This means if your claim is unsuccessful, you usually will not have to pay any legal fees, ensuring financial risk is minimised.