When medical mistakes are made during pregnancy and birth

Having a new baby is a special time for families. But if things go wrong during your pregnancy or the birth, the effects can be devastating, even fatal.

We put our trust in doctors, midwives and nurses but unfortunately, mistakes can happen. If these mistakes are due to negligence, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Darren O’Sullivan from our offices on the Isle of Wight outlines five things you should know if you or a loved one has been affected by medical mistakes made during pregnancy or birth:

1. Getting answers

All healthcare providers have a professional responsibility to let you know when things go wrong. This is called a ‘duty of candour’. It includes providing support, information and an apology and ensures that all those involved learn from any mistakes made.

2. Making  a complaint

If you are unhappy with the care you’ve received, you are entitled to make a formal complaint. Your GP or hospital will investigate and it’s likely you’ll be offered the chance to discuss your concerns face to face or you may be given a written response.

3. Seeking expert legal advice

If you are thinking about making a claim for compensation, it’s vital to get specialist legal advice from an experienced medical negligence solicitor as soon as possible, while events are still fresh in your mind. You can also make a claim if someone close to you has died.

4. Good timing is essential

You usually have three years to start a medical negligence claim from when you first realise you may have received negligent treatment. This time limit is extended for injuries to children or those who lack mental capacity.

5. Securing rehabilitation

Your claim for compensation can include any rehabilitation support (such as physiotherapy) to aid your recovery and improve your day-to-day life. If your healthcare provider admits responsibility at an early stage, you may be able to get interim compensation payments to help with any additional living or medical costs you face.

Medical negligence claims can be extremely complex. That’s why it is vital to find a specialist medical negligence law firm with extensive experience in these kinds of claims.

In addition to pregnancy and birth injury claims, Novum Law’s team specialises in the full range of medical negligence claims including: surgical errors, delayed or incorrect diagnosis, failure to refer or arrange appropriate tests or scans, hospital infections, defective medical products and accidents involving anaesthesia.

We can help with your medical negligence claim on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis (sometimes known as a conditional fee arrangement) with no financial risk to you. Call us on: 0800 884 0777 or email: info@novumlaw.com.