Pregnancy negligence claims

If you believe that you or your baby suffered harm or injury as a result of substandard medical care during pregnancy, labour, delivery or the postnatal period, you may be able to bring a pregnancy negligence claim. Please contact our specialist team for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about your situation and your options.

Where the claimant is an adult (over 18), you will usually have 3 years either from the date of the injury, birth or loss of life, or from the date of knowledge – that is, the date on which you first became reasonably aware that harm may have been caused by negligence.

Where the claimant is a child, a claim can be brought on their behalf at any time before their 18th birthday, regardless of when the injury occurred. Once they turn 18 and have mental capacity, they then have a further 3 years to bring their own claim (up to their 21st birthday).

Where a claimant lacks the mental capacity to conduct legal proceedings, a claim may be brought on their behalf at any time, with no time limit applying.

If you are unsure whether time limits affect your situation, please speak to us – we will advise you clearly.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of medical investigations required, and the position taken by the medical professionals or NHS Trust involved. Some cases resolve relatively quickly, particularly where liability is admitted early. Others – especially those involving serious and long-term injuries – can take longer to ensure that the full extent of harm is properly assessed and a fair settlement secured. Our solicitors will give you a clearer estimate once they have reviewed your individual circumstances.

It is not possible to give a fixed or average figure, as compensation in pregnancy negligence claims varies significantly depending on a number of factors. These include the type and severity of the harm suffered, the costs of past and future care, therapies and treatment, loss of earnings, and the wider impact on both the claimant and their family.

Generally, claims involving serious brain injuries such as cerebral palsy will attract higher compensation to reflect lifelong care and support needs. We will work with leading medical and financial experts to ensure that every aspect of your situation is fully considered, so that the compensation we seek truly reflects what you and your family need.

Harm does not need to be severe or permanent to support a claim. It can be:

• Physical – ranging from minor injuries such as cuts and bruising to serious conditions including brain injuries and cerebral palsy.
• Emotional – including distress and anxiety, as well as diagnosed conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Financial – such as additional travel costs, or more significant losses including reduced earnings if you have had to reduce your working hours or stop work as a result of your injury or your baby’s condition.

We will gather the evidence needed on your behalf. This typically includes your medical records and maternity notes, which we will obtain and review alongside in-house clinical specialists and independent medical experts. We may also need statements from you about your experience and the impact the negligence has had on your life. You do not need to have gathered any evidence yourself before contacting us – we will guide you through what is needed at every stage.

From your first conversation with us, our focus is on making the process feel as clear and manageable as possible. You will have a dedicated specialist solicitor handling your case, supported by our multidisciplinary Birth Injury Unit – including in-house midwives and nurse analysts. We will keep you informed at every stage, explain things in plain language, and make sure you always know what is happening and what comes next. Where appropriate, we will also work to secure early interim payments to help with immediate costs during the claim.

No. All of our pregnancy negligence cases are handled on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs and no financial risk to you. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay our legal fees. We want every family affected by negligent care to be able to access the legal support and justice they deserve, without financial barriers.