
Birth & Maternity Negligence Claims – Protecting Mothers and Babies
Bringing a child into the world should be a joyful experience, but when medical professionals fail to provide the expected standard of care, the consequences can be life-changing. Birth injuries and maternity negligence can result in serious harm to both mother and baby, leading to long-term health complications or even fatal outcomes.
If you or your child has suffered due to negligent maternity care, our solicitors can help you seek justice and compensation.
What Is a Birth & Maternity Negligence Claim?
A birth and maternity negligence claim arises when failures in prenatal, labour, or postnatal care lead to avoidable injuries or harm. This can include errors in foetal monitoring, delays in intervention, or negligent postnatal care.
Our solicitors support families affected by these mistakes, helping them secure the compensation needed for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Common Types of Birth & Maternity Negligence
Errors during pregnancy, labour, or after birth can have devastating effects. Our legal team frequently handles claims involving:
Failure to Monitor Mother & Baby
Neglecting to properly monitor foetal heart rate, maternal health, or signs of distress can result in preventable complications during labour and delivery.
Delays in Performing a C-Section
Failing to perform a timely caesarean section when medically necessary can result in oxygen deprivation, brain injuries, and physical trauma to the baby.
Mismanagement of High-Risk Pregnancies
Certain pregnancies require specialist care due to conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or multiple births. Inadequate care can lead to serious health risks for both mother and baby.
Use of Excessive Force During Delivery
Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction can cause brain damage, skull fractures, nerve damage, or lifelong disabilities such as Erb’s palsy or cerebral palsy.
Oxygen Deprivation & Birth Asphyxia
Failure to address umbilical cord issues, prolonged labour, or placental problems can lead to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), increasing the risk of cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or stillbirth.
Negligent Postnatal Care
Errors in postnatal care, such as failure to diagnose infections, poor wound management, or inadequate neonatal monitoring, can result in serious complications for both mother and baby.
How to Prove a Birth & Maternity Negligence Claim?
To succeed in a birth injury negligence claim, our solicitors will establish:
✔ A duty of care existed – The hospital or medical professionals were responsible for the care of the mother and baby.
✔ A breach of duty occurred – The standard of care provided fell below medical best practices.
✔ Causation – The negligence directly caused harm to the mother or baby.
✔ Damages suffered – The injury led to pain, suffering, or financial losses.
Evidence such as medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements will be used to support the claim.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
If you or your child has suffered due to maternity negligence, you may be entitled to claim for:
- Medical expenses – Covering treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Loss of earnings – Compensation for time off work or loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering – For physical trauma, emotional distress, and lasting impact on quality of life.
- Long-term care costs – Including therapy, home modifications, or special education needs.
Time Limits for Making a Birth & Maternity Negligence Claim
In Ireland, medical negligence claims must generally be made within two years from the date of the incident or when the injury was discovered. However, for birth injury claims, the time limit for the child does not begin until they turn 18 years old. Our solicitors can assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Why Choose Our Solicitors for Birth & Maternity Negligence Claims?
✔ Specialists in birth injury and maternity negligence claims with a strong track record.
✔ Dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for affected families.
✔ Compassionate and supportive legal service, ensuring a stress-free claims process.
✔ Experienced in handling complex medical negligence cases involving lifelong injuries.
Contact Our Solicitors for Birth & Maternity Negligence Claims
If you or your child has suffered due to maternity negligence, our legal team is here to help.
Contact our solicitors today for expert advice and a confidential consultation.