Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, but unfortunately, not every birth unfolds as smoothly as expected. When complications arise during childbirth, resulting in injuries to the newborn or mother, the emotional and financial toll on the affected families can be overwhelming. In these challenging times, our birth injury lawyers play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and legal representation to those grappling with the aftermath of a birth-related injury.
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Types of birth injuries you can seek compensation for in London
Please keep in mind that legal matters can be complex and it’s important to consult with our birth injury solicitors for advice specific to your situation. Here our personal injury lawyers present you with some common types of birth injuries that may lead to compensation claims:
- Cerebral palsy: This neurological disorder can result from brain damage during childbirth. If you need compensation for this type of injury, please consult with our birth trauma solicitors.
- Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus injury): This injury affects the nerves controlling the arm and may occur during a difficult delivery. If your child has suffered this injury, please consult with our birth injury lawyers.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during birth can cause this condition.
- Facial paralysis: Nerve damage during delivery can lead to facial paralysis, known as Bell’s palsy.
- Fractures and bone injuries: Improper use of delivery tools or excessive force during childbirth can cause bone fractures in the newborn.
- Infections: These can be acquired during delivery, such as Group B Streptococcus (GBS) which may lead to complications and injuries.
- Wrongful death: In the unfortunate event of a baby’s death due to negligence during childbirth, parents may seek compensation.
- Cephalohematoma: This is the collection of blood between the baby’s skull and the periosteum caused by trauma during delivery.
- Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding within the baby’s skull may occur due to trauma during delivery.
For all the injuries mentioned above, please consult with our personal injury lawyers in London. Their services are at your disposal in this regard. Also, it’s important to note that medical malpractice laws and the criteria for seeking compensation vary by jurisdiction. If you believe that you have a case, it’s advisable to consult with our qualified personal injury solicitor in London who can provide guidance based on the specific laws in your area and the details of your situation.
How can you make a legal claim for birth injury with the help of our lawyers?
Making a birth injury compensation claim involves a legal process that can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. While the following steps provide a general overview, it’s crucial to consult with our birth trauma lawyers who specialize in medical malpractice to guide you through the process. In UK, making a birth injury compensation claim typically involves:
- Consultation with a solicitor – Discuss with our birth injury solicitors specializing in medical negligence the details of your case.
- Notification and investigation – First notify the healthcare provider of the intent to claim. Our birth injury solicitor investigates the case, gathers medical records, and assesses negligence.
- Letter of claim – Our birth trauma solicitors will send a formal letter of claim to the defendant, outlining the allegations and damages sought.
- Response and negotiation – Once the defendant responds, the parties may engage in negotiations or mediation to reach a settlement with the help of our personal injury solicitors in London.
- Issuing court proceedings (if necessary) – If a settlement is not reached, our birth injury lawyers can file court proceedings.
- Court process – Our birth injury lawyers can gather expert testimony and prepare for trial. Also, settlement negotiations may continue during this phase.
- Trial (if necessary) – The court hears arguments, and a judge or jury determines the verdict and compensation.
- Appeals (if applicable) – Our birth injury solicitors can also help you if you want to appeal against the decision.
It’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly and work with our birth injury solicitor experienced in medical negligence claims in the UK. Please note that the legal process can be complex. Each case is unique, and the specific steps involved can vary. Working with an experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of a birth injury compensation claim and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. So, you are welcome to get in touch with our birth trauma solicitors.
Timeframe to apply for birth injury claims
You have the option to file a claim on behalf of your child at any moment before he/ she reaches the age of 18. Once he/ she turns 18, they retain a three-year window to initiate a claim until they reach the age of 21. In the case of a child who has sadly passed away due to a birth injury, the time limit for making a claim is three years from the date of his/ her death.
If you have any inquiries regarding the time limits for claims, please contact our personal injury solicitors in London.
