Things can happen before, during or after the birth that can harm either or both the mother and child. In many cases no one could have changed or rectified the situation, however this is not always the case and sometimes, things could and should have been done differently. If this is the situation, it may be a case of Clinical Negligence.

It’s no secret that many hospitals are under resourced and this maybe one of the factors in cases being investigated for clinical negligence.

Another factor is that many hospitals are underfunded. Earlier this year, Liverpool Women’s Hospital warned that they would need to make cuts as the maternity tariff they get paid from the NHS was too low and they spoke of concerns that this could have a detrimental effect on patient care.

And more recently, it has been revealed that 50 maternity related deaths are being investigated in more depth at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Foundation Trust. Cases being reviewed include deaths of mothers in or after labour, stillbirths and deaths of new born babies.

Investigations such as this have led to far greater awareness of the risks in maternity wards, and the Campaign for Safer Births is a charity working tirelessly to improve the NHS Maternity Services and reduce deaths and injuries to mothers and babies during childbirth that could have been avoided.

Fiona Kemp, Solicitor in the Clinical Negligence department at Jackson Lees comments:

‘Sadly, we come across many cases of maternity related deaths and injuries, the impacts of which are truly devastating. Unfortunately many of these cases could have been avoided and it is often due to the wards being over stretched and under resourced. Lack of funding can also lead to cases of sub-standard care. Of course, there are risks involved with childbirth, but sadly, sometimes it’s negligence that has led to an avoidable death or injury.’

If sadly, you think you may have a maternity related case including Claims for Children or Brain Injuries at Birth, Jackson Lees Solicitors can help.

Please contact us for a call back or message us your enquiry.