Overview of pregnancy and birth injury claims

Pregnancy is a magical yet scary time in a woman’s life. Healthy babies are being born every minute without any complication or medical conditions, but unfortunately problems can occur. Sometimes they are unavoidable but on other occasions they have occurred as a result of inadequate health care, possibly at some point during the pregnancy or possibly during labour. If an incident or injury has been suffered either by the mother or by the baby that could have been avoided, it may be that you are entitled to compensation.

What is included in the term birth injuries?

The term birth injuries include any injury or medical condition that was suffered by either the baby or the mother. This may have occurred at any time during the pregnancy or delivery, and it should have been avoided. There are a number of birth defects, for example, that are supposed to be tested for throughout the pregnancy during antenatal check-ups. These are often simple procedures such as scans, urine tests and blood tests that should reveal signs of complications. 

Spina Bifida and Downs Syndrome for example, are birth defects that can be detected early on in the pregnancy, giving the mother the option to terminate the pregnancy rather than giving birth to a disabled child whose life-long health care costs can be financially crippling for a family. Other examples of birth injuries include, but are not limited to, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, pre-eclampsia, and maternal and gestational diabetes.

Finding a suitable solicitor

Personal injury solicitors tend to include pregnancy and birth injury within their portfolio of expertise. If you believe you have a case you should contact a reputable firm for further advice and suggestions.