Childbirth is a momentous occasion in a woman's life and it is the time when women’s' bodies demonstrate their ultimate strength and love. Unsurprisingly, injuries to the mother during and immediately after childbirth are common. However, such injuries are often dismissed as being a natural consequence of the birth - that is not always the case. Many may suffer injuries during the birth of their child, which could have been avoided if it was not for the negligent action(s) of the treating medical professionals. Such injuries can be intrusive on day to day living, long term and life changing. Mothers therefore should not simply accept such injuries as part of the birth.
Birth injuries sustained by mothers vary considerably, but the injuries to mothers we most often see are as follows:-
Psychological injuries varying from depression to PTSD; Vaginal tears; Inadequate stitching; Infections; Uterine ruptures; Peripartum injuries and, Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
If a woman has suffered an injury as a result of medical negligence, they may have a legal entitlement to redress to help manage and sometimes resolve those injuries. Unfortunately, we cannot turn back the clock, so the form of most damages is financial compensation. Damages can be used to arrange needed rehabilitation such as physiotherapy or counselling, make amendments to your home, pay to you any loss of earnings suffered, cosmetic reconstruction, etc.
The vast majority of our instructions centre around medical negligence that has occurred during the birth of a child. Many may adopt a 'tunnel vision' approach and focus on the child only. Consequently, injuries that the mother has suffered are often overlooked. Understandably, mothers are directing their focus on their baby, but their own health and legal rights should not be neglected.
If you are concerned about the care, treatment and advice you received before, during and/or after childbirth, speak to one of our specialist solicitors to determine your legal rights and how we may help. Clinical negligence solicitor - Rachael A James
