Expert legal support for birth injuries in Leeds and York
Recent reports, including the CQC report on Leeds Teaching Hospitals, have left many families concerned about the maternity care they received. The BBC found that the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers under the Trust’s care in the past five years may have been preventable. Those affected deserve justice and answers. Leigh Day are representing families affected.
How can Leigh Day help?
Leigh Day's team of medical negligence solicitors have over 35 years of expertise in representing people who have experienced injuries because of negligent care in pregnancy and childbirth. Not only is Leigh Day a highly ranked firm, but we campaign for patient safety and justice for individuals, working with a range of specialist charities and NGOs, including Birth Trauma Association, Make Birth Better, The Motherhood Group and many more. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice and as one of the leading law firms in this field, we have helped many families. Our Leeds based team are currently supporting families affected by poor maternity care in the area.
Our expert lawyers seek not only justice, but answers to help you understand what went wrong. We also work tirelessly to secure the compensation families need to live life to the fullest after suffering life-changing injuries.
What our clients say
Thank you very much for all the kindness, care and support you have shown me. Your advice has always been sensible, considered and honest and you have helped guide me through the whole process with relative ease. I could not have found myself in safer hands.
Leigh Day client
How do I bring a maternity negligence claim?
The first step is to share your story with us in a free consultation. Our experts will listen compassionately and carefully and provide an honest assessment of your case. Our team includes registered midwives that you can speak to, who have specialist expertise in birth trauma and birth injury, and will understand the devastating impact of your experiences.
Should your case be taken on, our dedicated solicitors will represent and advise you during every stage of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard. We have an office conveniently located in Leeds city centre and support clients wherever they need us across Yorkshire and the North East.
Our goal is to secure the right compensation for your family, helping you cover medical bills, ongoing care, and other essential needs.
Leeds based partner Matthew Westlake, who has specialist experience in maternity negligence cases and works alongside Head of Medical Negligence Suzanne White, shared:
“It is deeply concerning to see more families coming forward with devastating experiences of failures in maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. Sadly, these stories echo what we have heard from our clients both in Leeds and across the country. Maternity care is in crisis and urgent change is needed; the families involved need to be listened to and should be the focus in order to improve maternity care.”
Client success story: £30 million settlement for child with life-altering brain injury
Our team has strong expertise in maternity cases and has supported many families in finding answers and seeking justice as a result of negligent care.
One example is a landmark case handled by Leeds based medical negligence partner Matthew Westlake and Head of Leeds Medical Negligence Suzanne White, who supported a client with life-altering brain injuries. They were able to secure a settlement exceeding a £30 million for a child after being starved of oxygen at birth. The compensation will fund lifelong, specialist care to meet his complex needs. This case is one of the largest of its kind and highlights the importance of accountability and expert legal support for families affected by medical negligence during childbirth.
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Their report of 20.06.25 following inspection of Leeds Teaching Hospitals rated maternity care as inadequate, whilst their report of 19.09.24 stated that harm is at risk of being normalised in maternity care. A national inquiry has been launched to address maternity care failings across England.
Matthew Westlake
Matthew Westlake is a Partner in the medical negligence department.
Suzanne White
Suzanne White is head of the medical negligence team and has specialised in this area of law since qualifying in 1999.
Leeds hospitals newborn death rates reflect experience of mother represented by Leigh Day
A mother whose baby suffered catastrophic brain damage during birth at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says her experience reflects subsequent reports of a high number of neonatal deaths in Leeds.
More than £30 million compensation secured for seven-year-old boy who was starved of oxygen at birth
A child who suffered near-total deprivation of oxygen at his birth will receive more than £30 million in compensation to help provide lifelong care.
Medical negligence FAQs
Your medical negligence claim process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to settle. Our team will strive to sort it as quickly as possible. The amount of time it takes will depend on:
- The severity of your case
- Amount and speed of gathering evidence
- How long the responsible person or body takes to respond
- Length of court proceedings (most cases settle before trial)
Whoever is dealing with your claim will be able to advise on how long they think the process will take.
An inquest happens when a coroner decides to investigate the circumstances of a death to determine how the person died before registering the death. Learn more about what an inquest is.
If you have suffered medical negligence then you have three years from the point of realisation to make a claim. Special rules apply for children, who are not subject to the three-year limit until they are 18 – so they have until their 21st birthday to claim. People not capable of managing their own affairs due to a mental disability are also exempt and will rely on a ‘litigation friend’ to bring a claim.
To prove medical negligence you’ll need supporting evidence to improve your chances of success. This can include medical documents, witness statements, medical records (such as x-rays, ultrasounds), photographs and financial records.
Yes, you can make a medical negligence claim on behalf of a child under 18 years old or a ‘protected party’ – someone who lacks the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves due to an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of their mind or brain. You will be appointed as a ‘litigation friend’ to make decisions about the case.
It is rare that medical negligence cases go to court – they are normally settled before reaching this stage. However, with complicated cases there is a chance. Our team will support you through the process if this happens.
As part of the supporting evidence for your case, it’s likely that you will have to see a doctor for an expert examination. They will assess the extent of your injuries suffered due to medical negligence to help support your claim.
Compensation can cover the costs of physical and emotional pain caused and the impact on your quality of life.
It could help cover:
- Medication and treatment
- Therapy
- Care
- Transport and/or parking expenses
- Adaptations to accommodation
- Loss of earnings
- Specialist equipment
Examples of successful medical negligence compensation awarded:
- Five-figure settlement for a first-time mother who suffered depression after delayed surgery.
- More than £30 million for lifelong care for a boy starved of oxygen at birth.
- Six-figure settlement for woman who received life-changing facial injuries after delayed diagnosis of sarcoma.
- £2.25 million for a man’s life changing neurological injuries after doctors failed to investigate spinal compression after surgery.
- In most cases, claims are funded through a Conditional Fee Agreement (also known as "no win, no fee"). This means you won’t have to pay legal fees if your claim isn’t successful (except in very specific circumstances that your solicitor will discuss with you). If your case is successful, then the majority of your legal costs will be paid by your opponent. Your solicitor will explain exactly how this works in more detail.
- In some situations, Legal Aid may be available. This is only available to a child who has suffered a neurological injury at, or around, the time of their birth.
- You may also be covered through Legal Expenses Insurance, which is sometimes included in your home contents or another insurance policy. We can assist you in contacting your insurer to arrange using this.
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.