Midwife Error (Birth Injuries)

Midwife Error (Birth Injuries)

Midwifery ranks among the oldest professions in the world. Midwives often describe their job as ‘privileged’ with the role they play in delivering new life into the world. Their role is also to help women through their pregnancy and the postpartum period (care of the newborn).  Although millions of babies are born safely every single day, there are a number of mothers and babies that sadly suffer.  Negligent behaviour by a midwife during any part of the pregnancy, labour or postpartum process which directly results in unnecessary harm to either you or your baby could result in grounds for a claim. The nature of a midwives role means that even a small error can have very serious consequences. The following scenarios cover just some of the errors and ways in which a claim can be sought;

• If you have approached your midwife with concerns and/or symptoms during pregnancy but the appropriate tests/examinations were not carried out to investigate further
• If the midwife orders further tests but they fail to be read properly
• Being told to stay home or sent home despite reporting a serious problem which then led to delays and complications
• Midwives failing to properly monitor both mother and baby and requesting help from consultants either too late or not at all

Although failing to take action, taking inappropriate or delayed action are all down to individual human error they are often underpinned and perpetuated by low staffing levels, leaving experienced midwives exhausted and less experienced midwives sometimes on their own.  Failing in their duty of care can be devastating leading babies to suffer from;

• Cerebral palsy – a serious condition caused by asphyxiation during the birth process when forceps are used incorrectly or the baby remains in the birth canal for too long
• Erbs palsy – shoulder dystocia also referred to as stuck shoulders which can lead to the baby suffering a neck injury and impacting the mother’s pelvis
• Brain damage – in most severe cases trauma to the brain can lead to loss of function resulting in a number of possible mental and physical disabilities
• Stillbirth – the death of a baby before or during delivery

For the mother, injuries such as;

• 3rd/4th degree vaginal tears (some do occur naturally and cannot be avoided but others can be caused by the negligent use of equipment or delay in referring for an emergency caesarean section)
• Postpartum haemorrhage
• Uterine rupture
• Infections
• Fissures

This is not an exhaustive list, there may be other scenarios that entitle you make a claim for midwifery negligence. If you are unsure you should seek advice by calling our highly experienced solicitors who are ready to listen and discuss your case. Our number is free to call. We’re here to help.

Call us now on 0800 122 3130 or click here to start your claim.