Every stillbirth is a heartbreaking tragedy, and the emotional impact on bereaved parents is profound.
Benefit from sympathetic and caring advice, get in touch with our team of stillbirth and neonatal death claims specialists or call 0191 5666 500 to discuss your case.
Losing a baby during pregnancy, birth or in the first weeks of life is a deeply distressing experience that can affect every aspect of life, from relationships and work to health and mental well-being. Mothers may also suffer physical injuries in addition to their emotional pain.
In the UK, nearly six stillbirths occur each day, with 2,153 registered in 2022 alone, according to the Office for National Statistics. Even one loss is too many.
Sadly, some parents are left with the feeling that their baby’s death could have been prevented, believing that the medical care they received did not meet the necessary standards. If this resonates with you, we are here to help.
We can assist in formally raising a complaint with the Hospital Trust and initiating a Serious Investigation Review/Report. This process will thoroughly examine the care provided, highlight any shortcomings, and ensure that lessons are learned.
If you believe that the care you or your baby received was inadequate, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Our team of stillbirth and neonatal death claims litigation specialists are trained to listen to your concerns, and offer advice with compassion and care.
Discuss your case in confidence with no-obligation to start a claim – get in touch or call 0191 5666 500 for expert advice.
What are the main stillbirth and neonatal death causes?
Stillbirth can have many causes, and sometimes negligent medical care plays a role in these devastating tragedies.
Factors that may contribute to stillbirth and neonatal death include:
Untreated infections: Infections like bacterial vaginosis, chickenpox, chlamydia, and others must be identified and treated promptly.
Blood pressure issues: High or low blood pressure can be dangerous for both mother and baby; it should be regularly monitored and treated.
Lack of proper referrals: Especially for mothers at higher risk due to conditions like diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure.
Misinterpreting test results: Important signs can be missed on tests or scans, leading to inadequate care during pregnancy and birth.
Failure to test: Delayed or missed testing during pregnancy can prevent timely treatment of dangerous conditions.
Pregnancy-related itching: Failure to identify and manage the problem, often referred to as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and also known as obstetric cholestasis.
Ignored foetal movement concerns: No action taken when a mother has reported reduced movement.
Inadequate antenatal monitoring: Regular check-ups are crucial for monitoring the baby’s development.
Placental abruption: If the placenta detaches from the uterus, the baby may not receive necessary oxygen and nutrients.
Communication issues: Poor communication between medical professionals or with parents can lead to improper care.
Congenital defects: May result from genetic disorders or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy.
Unsafe delivery decisions: Delays in deciding on assisted delivery or emergency caesarean section can be critical.
Reduced oxygen supply: This can happen in the womb or during a difficult labour, or shortly after birth.
Inadequate resuscitation: If a baby has been deprived of oxygen, it’s crucial to provide appropriate care, including passive or active cooling.
Why should you make a Neonatal Death Compensation Claim?
Nothing can ever take away the pain of losing a child. However, understanding the reasons behind your loss may bring some comfort and help you begin to heal from the anxiety, grief or anguish you’re feeling.
If you have concerns about the care you received during pregnancy or childbirth, we’re here to listen and offer confidential support. Our involvement can often lead to meaningful changes and additional training in maternity wards, which may help prevent similar tragedies for other families.
If successful, a compensation claim can provide crucial access to therapy, counselling or other forms of support. Your settlement could also help cover the cost of therapy, lost wages from time off work and other related expenses.
By working in partnership with us, your case may eventually lead to important changes and additional training in maternity wards, helping to prevent similar tragedies for other families.
No Win, No Fee Neonatal Death Claims Explained
In most stillbirth and neonatal death claims, we can pursue your case on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis – providing affordable access to justice.
By using a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement (known as a Conditional Fee Agreement or CFA) you can take legal action without having to weigh up whether the case is a financial risk that’s worth taking.
If your case is not successful, you won’t pay a penny. In effect, we share the risk with you because we only get paid if you win.
Should you win and secure compensation, your opponent will usually cover most of your legal costs. You will also need to pay a success fee from the final amount of compensation.
There are a number of ways to fund a case and all other methods will be explained before you decide whether to pursue a claim and the most suitable solution.
Our approach to Neonatal Death Compensation Claims
Stillbirth and neonatal death negligence cases are complex from an emotional point of view and a legal perspective, but we fully understand the challenges families face in these situations.
During this sensitive time, we adopt a hand-holding approach and support you at every step. We will compassionately guide you through the claims process and explain all the options available, whilst fighting tirelessly for the best outcome.
Our vastly-experienced medical negligence solicitors carefully manage cases from the initial enquiry to conclusion.
- A free no-obligation case discussion with our Solicitors
- Sympathetically understand injury & impact on your life
- Assess physical injury & any rehabilitation requirements
- Analyse emotional, psychological & financial impact
- Assess case details and work out if you have a strong claim
- Explain ways to fund case – including No Win, No Fee option
- Gather evidence & ensure case is as strong as possible
- Review medical records, witness statements & medical experts
- Give you the best chance to secure maximum compensation
- Negotiate and try to agree a settlement outside of court
Based in Sunderland – trusted across the North East & UK
If you’d like to utilise the experience and expertise of our clinical negligence solicitors, we promise to fight for the support and answers you deserve.
From our headquarters in Sunderland, we can quickly travel to anywhere in the North East. We also have a presence in Carlisle and represent people from across England and Wales, many of whom have been referred by previously successful clients.
Even if you’re not sure whether a claim is possible, get in touch for a no-obligation and confidential discussion either in person or via video call.
Arrange a free consultation with our specialist solicitors – get in touch or call 0191 5666500 today!