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Seek justice for medical negligence in maternity care

Maternity care at hospitals in Sussex has been a cause for concern, and those affected deserve answers. Read on for more information about how we can help you or get in touch now for a call back from an expert midwife.

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What is medical negligence?

Healthcare professionals have a legal duty of care to their patients. Medical negligence happens when they fail to carry out that duty, causing avoidable injuries or illness, and even in some terrible cases, death. The two key things that make up medical negligence claims are:

This is when the medical professional treating you has failed to provide you with the correct care. They owe you a duty of care, and if they fail to provide that at the appropriate standard, it is classed as negligence.  

This is also called causation. It shows that medical negligence led to your injuries or illness, not an underlying condition. It means that the harm caused was avoidable had the medical professional upheld their expected duty of care: it should not have happened to you or your baby. 

Examples of medical negligence in pregnancy and childbirth

Such as severe perineal tears that could have been avoided.  

Like brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen at birth or injuries caused by birth trauma, such as shoulder dystocia.   

Often caused when healthcare professionals mismanage a birth, miss red flags that something is going wrong, or dismiss the concerns of mothers and families.

Leigh Day's mission to empower women who have experienced negligent maternal care

 

 

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A mother and her son have received a settlement from Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after he suffered permanent facial scarring and Erb’s Palsy (paralysis of the arm) following a traumatic forceps delivery.

Why choose Leigh Day

Leigh Day's team of medical negligence solicitors have over 35 of expertise in helping mums and babies who have experienced injuries as a result of negligent care. Each one of our team is passionate about their work and dedicated to helping you seek justice. Not only is Leigh Day a highly ranked firm, but we campaign for patient safety and justice for individuals, working with a range of charities and NGOs. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice and as one of the leading law firms in this field, we have helped many families.

We understand how important it is for families to know what happened during their care. Our expert legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, providing you with clear answers and documentation to help you understand the events that unfolded. To do that, we work with the very best experts – people who can help you understand what went wrong, as well as assess what next steps to take.  

The process can help uncover the answers you may not otherwise find. Knowing what happened can bring a sense of relief and help you move forward.

Compensation can be crucial in helping you and your family live life to the fullest after suffering injuries. Whether it is to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, or adapting your home, we will work tirelessly to secure the financial support you need.

By holding healthcare providers accountable, your case can contribute to preventing similar situations from happening to others. Your decision to take action can make a significant impact on improving medical practices within the NHS. 

How Leigh Day can help you with a medical negligence claim

Share your story with us in a free consultation. We will listen carefully and provide an honest assessment of your case. You can speak to an expert midwife, who will understand the specifics of your case and ask the right questions.  

Our experienced team will collect all relevant medical records, consult with experts, and build a strong case on your behalf. At every step on the way, they will be open with you about progress and what the experts find out.  

We will represent you through every stage of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard. 

Our goal is to secure the right compensation for your family, helping you cover medical bills, ongoing care, and other essential needs. 

Seek Justice for Medical Negligence in Pregnancy and Childbirth

Read on for more information about how we can help you or get in touch now for a call back from an expert midwife. 

Frequently asked questions

Medical negligence occurs when healthcare providers fail to deliver the standard of care expected, resulting in injury to the mother or baby. This can include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, errors during delivery, and more. 

Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury or from when you became aware of the negligence to make a claim. If you are claiming on behalf of a child, you have three years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim.

The amount of compensation varies based on the specifics of your case, including the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. Our team will work to secure the maximum compensation possible.

We believe that everyone should be able to access high-quality legal representation. Some cases may be eligible for legal aid, others will operate on a no win no fee basis, also known as a conditional fee agreement. 

Simply fill out the contact form below, and one of our experts will reach out to discuss your case and arrange a free consultation with a midwife. 

Take the first step towards justice  

If you believe you or your child suffered from possible medical negligence during pregnancy or childbirth, don’t wait. Contact us today to start your journey toward answers and possible compensation. 

Contact us today

Your family deserves justice, and we are here to help you every step of the way. 

See how we helped others

Client Story
Felix
Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy - Felix's story

Felix was left with brain damage and permanent disability when his birth was negligently delayed.

Client Story
Jerry Sesay
Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy - Jerry's story

Client Story
Toby2
Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy - Toby's story

Toby he lives with cerebral palsy after his symptoms were ignored by medical staff at Portsmouth Hospital