For Every Birth. For Every Baby. For Every Family.

Championing better maternity care through every family's story.

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When birth doesn’t go to plan, you shouldn’t face it alone

A birth injury can change everything.

In those first weeks and months, many parents feel overwhelmed – looking for answers, worrying about the future, and unsure where to turn.

In those moments, expertise matters. Care matters. Families matter. We’re here to listen, explain your options clearly, and support your family with care, clarity and commitment. For decades we’ve stood alongside families through the most critical moments. Our role is to help you secure the answers, support and provision you need – so you can focus on your family.

Because the right support at the right time can change everything.

For Every Birth. For Every Baby. For Every Family.

Why is maternity safety learning not translating into change?

Drawing on national reviews, investigations, NHS data and expert discussion, this white paper explores the challenges of turning lessons identified into sustained improvements for women, babies and families.

DOWNLOAD OUR WHITEPAPER

About our birth injury team

We are one of the UK’s leading birth injury teams, dedicated to supporting families when maternity care goes wrong.

Our work is about more than legal expertise – it’s about listening, guiding, and helping families build secure and supported futures.

With a team of birth injury specialists, we’ve supported hundreds of families and secured answers and financial outcomes of millions of pounds to provide for lifelong care, therapies, and housing. We are recognised and accredited by The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel, and AvMA’s Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel for the leading expertise and support we provide to families.

But what matters most to us is how families feel when they work with us. We are here to answer questions, to stand beside you in difficult times, and to make sure your voice is heard. We don’t just focus on compensation; we focus on care, stability and dignity – for every birth, every baby, and every family we support.

Meet the team

Why families trust us

Specialist birth injury expertise built over decades
Warm, empathetic support from your first call to final outcome
Strong partnerships with charities, therapists and case managers
A proven track record in the most complex cases

We know these are the moments that matter most. Our role is to give families the clarity, support and security they deserve – today and for the future.

Vodcast series

For every birth. For every baby. For every family.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BIRTH INJURIES

Learn how we support families who have experienced birth trauma.

See our full information brochure

Real impact for real families

Michelle’s Story – building a settlement package for long-term care.

Charlie* suffered a neonatal injury when he was just 5 weeks old, having been born a healthy and happy baby. The negligence incident meant that Charlie was without oxygen to the brain for 45 minutes – a mistake that would affect the rest of his life.

Michelle* came to us for support when she was advised by a nurse at the hospital that the mistake could have been avoided, and that she could be within her rights to pursue a legal case.

Charlie is now able to learn, play and interact with the use of an equipped therapy room in the family’s home. A hydrotherapy pool allows Charlie to mobilise in water, and an adapted trampoline is used to encourage the use of Charlie’s muscles. Specialist hoists and mobility equipment in the family home ensures Charlie can move around the house and be easily transferred from his bed and adapted bathtub. He also has round-the-clock care, to support Michelle and the wider family unit.

This successful outcome has allowed Michelle to fund specialist care for Charlie, meaning that his future and immediate needs are met, and he is able to lead a fulfilled and happy life that would not have been possible without support.

*names have been changed to protect identities

Michelle's story

Fighting for her grandson's future

Birth injuries can require lifelong care, which can add emotional & financial strain.

Signposting and support for families.

Questions families often ask us

When you’re dealing with the impact of a birth injury, it’s natural to have lots of questions – about what happened, what can be done, and what the future might look like.

We’ve answered some of the most common questions families bring to us. Every situation is different, but this will give you a sense of what to expect and how we can help.

Why make a birth injury claim?

Families often want two things: answers about what went wrong, and support to make life easier for the future. A claim can help with both.
By pursuing a case, you may be able to:

Secure therapies, equipment and professional care
Adapt your home so it meets your child’s or your needs
Access case managers and specialist support
Plan for long-term financial security, knowing care will be in place in later life

Compensation is not just about money – it’s about stability, independence and quality of life.

Do I have a claim?

Birth injuries can affect both babies and mothers. The first step is simply a conversation. We’ll listen to your story, gather your medical records, and ask independent experts to review what happened. This initial investigation is free and without obligation.

Once we’ve looked carefully at the evidence, we’ll explain clearly whether there may be a claim, what the process would involve, and what it could mean for your family’s future.

Will making a claim affect my NHS care?

No. Your ongoing NHS care is completely separate from the legal process. Whether for you or your child, the treatment you receive should not change if you decide to bring a claim.

Many of our clients continue their care within the NHS while their claim is ongoing. We make sure the legal process runs alongside, not against, your medical needs.

How long will it take?

Every case is different. Some claims can be resolved within 18–24 months, while more complex cases – especially those involving serious, lifelong injuries – may take longer.

That’s because we often need to understand the full impact on your child’s development or your recovery before a final settlement is agreed. Throughout, we’ll keep you updated, explain what’s happening, and push to secure early support through interim payments wherever possible.

Will we have to go to court?

The vast majority of cases are settled without a trial. Negotiation and settlement meetings are usually enough to reach an agreement.

In the rare situations where a hearing is needed, we’ll guide you through what to expect, prepare you fully, and stand beside you at every step. Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and supportive as possible.

Can we get help before the case ends?

Yes. If responsibility is accepted, we can often obtain interim payments – early funds released before the final settlement.

These payments can cover urgent needs such as therapies, specialist equipment, home adaptations, respite care, or extra support at school.

Interim payments can make a big difference, allowing families to access the right help without waiting years for the legal process to finish.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Many families don’t realise straight away that their child has suffered a birth injury. Sometimes the signs only become clear as a child grows, receives a diagnosis, or their future needs become more obvious. It’s common for parents to contact us several years after the birth.

For children, a claim can usually be made any time up to their 21st birthday (and longer if they lack mental capacity).
For mothers, or if you’re making a claim after the death or stillbirth of a child, the time limit is usually three years from the date of the injury, death, or when you first suspected negligence may have played a role.

Because every situation is different, the safest step is to ask for advice as soon as you feel ready. Our first conversation is always free, and we’ll explain clearly how the time limits apply in your case.

What about legal costs?

We know that cost is one of the biggest worries for families thinking about a claim. There are different ways to fund your case, and our initial advice is always free.

Most of our clients use a No Win No Fee agreement. This means:

You only pay legal costs if your claim is successful
If your claim doesn’t succeed, you don’t pay anything
If compensation is awarded, most of the legal costs are paid by the hospital or their insurer

Some families are also covered by Legal Expenses Insurance (sometimes included with home or motor insurance policies). If that applies, we can work with your insurer too.

We’ll explain all the options clearly at the start, so you can decide what works best for your family.

What does compensation cover?

Compensation is about more than money – it’s about security and quality of life. It can provide for:

Therapies, treatment and equipment
Lifelong care and professional support
Educational support for children
Home adaptations or new accommodation
Transport and mobility needs
Financial stability if you’ve had to give up work
Future health needs for mothers

The amount depends on the type and extent of the injury, and what you or your child will need for the future. Our role is to make sure the settlement reflects those needs — so life is not only manageable, but more secure and supported in the years ahead.

What is the Early Notification Scheme?

The NHS has an Early Notification Scheme for certain serious birth injuries. Its aim is to give families quicker answers and earlier access to support.

If your case falls within this scheme, we can explain what it means, how it works, and how it fits alongside any legal claim.

If your question isn’t covered here, we’re here to help. Every story is unique, and we’ll take the time to understand yours, explain your options in plain English, and guide you at your pace. The first step is simply a conversation.

Support that goes beyond compensation

Legal expertise is just one part of what families need

Compensation is only the beginning. What really matters is how that support is used to make daily life easier, open up opportunities, and give families long-term security. We work with you to put the right help in place, tailored to your needs.

Here are some of the ways we make a difference:

Specialist care and therapies:
Access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language support, and other treatments that help children and parents reach their full potential.

Home adaptations and equipment:
From ramps and hoists to fully adapted kitchens, bathrooms and vehicles, we help create environments that give families freedom and independence.

Education and support planning:
Working with schools and local authorities to make sure children get the right educational support, whether through specialist placements or tailored learning plans.

Rehabilitation and case management:
Appointing case managers to coordinate care, arrange therapies, and ensure families aren’t left to navigate the system alone.

Guidance on welfare benefits and financial planning:
Helping families secure the right benefits and financial advice, so they can focus on care rather than paperwork and uncertainty.

Court of Protection:
For some families, compensation settlements are so substantial they need to be carefully managed for the long term. The Court of Protection can appoint a Professional Deputy to help oversee these funds, ensuring they are protected and last for as long as needed. We guide families through this process, giving reassurance that future care and support will always be safeguarded.

Our aim is simple: to take away as many worries as possible, so families can focus on living, not just coping.

“I have to say a massive thank you for all the hard work and perseverance with our case. The whole process of dealing with Fletchers Solicitors as a firm has been made easier because of the amount of information by letter, emails and phone calls along with being able to pick up the phone at any time and ask any questions we may have had.”

Mum

Funding specialist equipment for an enriched life

Our support goes beyond compensation.

Securing the right settlement helps us to fund specialist equipment and round-the-clock care for families affected by serious birth injuries. Children are often left with lifelong mobility issues and cognitive difficulties, which can make it difficult to meet even their most base needs.

Technical advances in state-of-art mobility equipment and bespoke home adaptations, can ensure a more enriched and fulfilled life. But these adaptations are not readily available without support. Our specialists are able to build a settlement package to consider the needs of the family both now, and in the future.

Further guides and information on birth injury

Seeking justice for negligence in anoxic brain injury claims

Guide to the litigation process in cerebral palsy claims

Understanding the difference between Erbs palsy and klumpkes palsy

Guide to brachial plexus injuries and how they might occur

Guide to full family support following birth trauma

Understanding why it is ok to seek support after birth trauma

Guide to the Early Notification Scheme

Standing with families. Driving change.

When things go wrong in maternity care, families need answers. But every case also carries a wider responsibility: to learn, to improve, and to help prevent the same mistakes happening again.

Across the UK, important programmes are shining a light on maternity safety and what must change:

Every Baby Counts (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists): reviewing around 1,000 cases each year where babies die or suffer severe brain injury during childbirth. Findings suggest that in as many as 3 in 4 cases, different care might have led to a different outcome.

The Ockenden Review and other maternity safety reports: exposing repeated failings in care and setting out recommendations for safer services. Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigations (MNSI) programme: carrying out thousands of independent investigations every year, focused on improving safety and learning lessons.

NHS Resolution’s Early Notification Scheme: designed to provide families with earlier answers and help hospitals learn quickly from harm.

These programmes underline what families already know – that safer maternity care is urgently needed, and that every voice matters. By pursuing answers and accountability, families help highlight where care can be improved. Together, we can press for changes

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the team for all their hard work and dedication. Their friendly approach made it as stress free as possible and ultimately the final settlement we achieved made it all worthwhile. It has enabled us to purchase a wheelchair adapted vehicle and a bungalow so our child can freely use his power chair. In short, life is much different now and we now know that he will have a bright future”

Mum

Families we have supported

Settlement of £14.6 Million will ensure rest-of-life care for child

Family receives financial recompense following cerebral palsy injury

Financial settlement allows family to build a fulfilled life for child

Real impact for real families

Catherine & Jack’s story; securing a future to live with dignity

When Catherine* noticed her baby’s movements had reduced late in pregnancy, she went to hospital for reassurance. A heart monitor showed worrying signs, but there were delays in deciding to deliver. When a caesarean was finally agreed, further complications with anaesthetic meant more time passed.

Jack* was born in very poor condition and was later diagnosed with a severe brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. His injuries are complex and lifelong. Jack has epilepsy, cannot walk, talk or feed himself, and needs round-the-clock care.

Catherine gave up her career to care for him full-time. The family home no longer met Jack’s needs, and his future required specialist education, therapy and equipment.

The family turned to our Birth Injury team for help. With support and guidance through every step, a settlement of £5 million was agreed, including interim payments to cover urgent care, therapy and housing.

For Catherine, it was about more than money. It was about securing a future where Jack could get the support he needs to live with dignity, and where the family could focus on caring for him rather than fighting for provision.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.