Child birth trauma
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Richard Follis, Partner
In many child birth trauma cases the injuries sustained have had a serious impact on the lives of those affected. We handle them with sensitivity and compassion, but in a professional and efficient manner, so you are confident to leave us to deal with the case on your behalf.
Other areas of expertise / types of claim
We are able to investigate whether an avoidable medical accident could have caused you or your child to suffer any of the injuries referred to below. If so, we can secure compensation for you at a level reflecting the pain and suffering you or your child have endured, as well as for the financial impact it has had in the past, and will have in future.
Brain injuries and cerebral palsy
Unfortunately, some child birth trauma sees babies suffer brain injuries as a result of oxygen deprivation during birth, which can result in cerebral palsy (CP). CP can vary in degree, and some children will grow to be virtually unaffected by the condition if they only have it in a mild form. Sadly, other children are much more profoundly affected by CP, and may never be able to lead an independent life.
Erb's Palsy
Sometimes children suffer a paralysis of the arm during birth, known variously as Erb's Palsy, shoulder dystocia, and brachial plexus injury.
A common cause of this condition is excessive pulling during the birth, which causes nerve damage in the shoulder. It varies in severity, but can be very debilitating.
Injuries to mother and/or child during Caesarean Section
Occasionally babies sustain cuts to their scalp as a result of Caesarean Section, which could become infected. Mothers may sustain damage internally, or may find that their wound does not heal as a result of infection.
Mothers may also sustain injury in any further pregnancy after Caesarean Section, if, for example, the wound opens up following vaginal delivery.
We can also advise on child birth trauma cases involving the following injuries to mothers and babies:
- still births
- vaginal tears
- failed / ineffective episiotomy
- incontinence stemming from internal trauma
- management of Group B Streptococcus in pregnancy
- damage caused to mother or baby following assisted delivery with ventouse or forceps
Our experts
We have a very experienced national Clinical Negligence team, which has a wealth of child birth trauma expertise. Key contacts are:
- Richard Follis - Partner and National Head of Clinical Negligence
- Andrea Rusbridge - Partner and Team Leader
- Kay Taylor - Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and Team Leader
Important things to consider
If your case is successful and you or your child receive compensation, you may need to protect that sum, as failure to do so could result in you or your child losing the right to claim means-tested benefits. We can advise on so-called Special Needs Trusts to help protect those benefits.
What do I do next?
We are able to advise you on the merits of your case at a free consultation with a member of our team. We appreciate that the circumstances leading to you contacting us may be very distressing, but we'll support you through each step and keep you fully updated on the progress of your case.
