Birth injury solicitor warns of repeated mistakes as maternity negligence claims rise

Written by Annmarie Miller, Trainee Solicitor and Trevor Ward, Senior Birth Injury Solicitor  

A recent publication has revealed that claims against the NHS for maternity negligence have risen by more than a third in the past three years. The article, published with The Telegraph states that more than half of the maternity units in England are rated inadequate or require improvement. It is also noted that the Nursing and Midwifery Council have warned of ‘’recurring themes’’ in cases where midwives fail to act on emergencies or spot crucial signs that a baby is in danger, such as a failure interpret abnormal fetal heart rates and uterine contractions.  

Fletchers Solicitors’ Partner & Senior Birth Injury Solicitor, Trevor Ward in his response to the article said: 

“I think this information mirrors what we are experiencing here at the firm; an increase in enquiries by mothers themselves or on behalf of their children in relation to concerns about deliveries going back over a number of years. There is either no explanation or an inadequate explanation of what has gone wrong given to parents and what steps are to be taken to make sure things similar don’t happen again. I fear it is often a question of resources and training and everyone knows the NHS is strapped and under pressure.

“I have seen these sorts of reports unfolding over many years. I will remain apolitical, but if we wish as a civilised society to have a working and valuable NHS, we need to continue to invest in it and its people long term. It does seem as though similar mistakes are repeated.”

Long-term impact of maternity negligence

Maternity negligence can have a significant impact on both the mother and the child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Negligence can cause harm and potentially lead on to long-term complications or health conditions. This type of negligence can also put financial pressure on families.  

It is important to note that not all cases of adverse outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth are due to negligence. However, if you believe that you or your child have suffered any harm or injury due to negligent care, you may be entitled to compensation.  

Maternity negligence experts

At Fletchers, our birth injury experts can help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to. Specialist birth injury solicitors, Minton Morrill, also work alongside Fletchers Solicitors, as part of Fletchers Group. If you think you or your child may have suffered due to negligence during pregnancy and birth, please get in touch with our team of specialist lawyers, who have the skills and expertise to advise you, and guide you through the claims process.