Seek Justice for Medical Negligence in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Maternity care at hospitals in Leeds and York 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.
How can we help?
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:
- Negligence – 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.
- Avoidable harm – 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 include:
- Injuries to mum – such as severe perineal tears that could have been avoided.
- Injuries to baby – like brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen at birth or injuries caused by birth trauma, such as shoulder dystocia.
- Stillbirth and neonatal death – often caused when healthcare professionals mismanage a birth, miss red flags that something is going wrong, or dismiss the concerns of mothers and families.
We understand that experiencing medical negligence at a time when you are vulnerable is traumatic. That’s why we have a dedicated team of experts, including two midwives, to offer support to families affected and help them get the justice they are seeking.
Get the answers and compensation you deserve
Experiencing medical negligence during pregnancy or childbirth can be devastating. Our expert team is here to help you understand what went wrong, secure the compensation you deserve, and find closure. We believe in holding healthcare providers accountable to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Get help today
If you have worries about the care you or a loved one received during pregnancy and childbirth, we are here to listen.
Recent medical negligence success stories
Read about recent cases we have settled for our clients
Birth injury claims
If you or your child have suffered from a traumatic birth injury due to medical negligence, you may be able to secure compensation with a birth injury claim. Our specialist lawyers are here to help.
Six-figure settlement reached for woman who suffered a ruptured bowel following C-section
A woman, who we have called Nina, has received £175,000 in compensation in a legal claim against Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after they failed to diagnose and treat her bowel obstruction.
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.
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.
What the directories say
Leigh Day are not afraid to take on cases that other firms may find difficult. They use their experience and standing to campaign for the rights of the individual to improve patient safety and healthcare and for access to justice
Chambers & Partners
What our clients say
Leigh Day have proven to us that they are not just a law firm, they are a law firm that cares about making a difference. They support us, and other parents like us, in gaining answers and justice.
Leigh Day client
Everything was so professional and the people both helpful and informative at all stages. Gave a feeling of being in the right hands. Felt all the time that you were safe and being looked after and that your case was important.
P Ratcliffe, via Trustpilot
Leigh Day helped me so much through my journey with my case, always there either by phone or email, very attentive with updates & keeping me in the loop with everything, they worked so hard & got me the best outcome, they are a company that really care for their clients & give the best support & advice. I’m forever grateful to Matthew Westlake & all the team.
Elaine Morrison, former client
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
Cerebral palsy - Felix's story
Felix was left with brain damage and permanent disability when his birth was negligently delayed.
Cerebral palsy - Jerry's story
Cerebral palsy - Toby's story
Toby he lives with cerebral palsy after his symptoms were ignored by medical staff at Portsmouth Hospital