Medical professionals are fully aware that a great deal of responsibility is involved in ensuring that the amount of care provided to the mother during the course of pregnancy and birth is of a high standard. There is always a great amount of risk involved in handling a pregnancy case, as complications can happen, therefore every step should be taken to prevent any complications from arising. The treatment of care should be continued during and after the pregnancy, as a failure to do so can result in great pain and suffering for the mother. The child can also suffer in the long-term. Fortunately, in most cases the process flows smoothly for the mother and child. However, in some cases, complications occur during the process, which results in injury to the birth mother and baby. There are a wide range of medical professionals that are responsible for the welfare of the mother, not just the obstetrician. These can include nurses, midwives, and any other medical practitioner.
Injuries to mothers
One of the most commonly reported injuries are caused by incorrect stitching after episiotomy. This is the procedure that allows extra room for the baby to ease delivery. It is essential that the wound be correctly stitched otherwise it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort to the mother. Vaginal tear is another form of injury that is quite common. In most cases, vaginal tears are stitched under local anaesthesia using sutures which dissolve over a period of time. It is important to note that if the tear is not examined properly, it can result in further discomfort for the mother.
Injuries to babies
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s Palsy is the condition which occurs if too much pressure is applied on the babys neck and head. It normally occurs due to birth trauma and can affect 1 or all of the 5 primary nerves that supply the movement and feeling to the arm. The consequences of this type of injury can vary from case to case. The amount of paralysis caused will depend on the damage to each nerve. In some cases, the babies recover on their own; however some may require specialist intervention.
Cerebral Palsy
This is another type of condition that is affecting thousands of children in the UK. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain which can occur before, during or soon after birth. Again, the consequences of this type of injury can vary from child to child. Some children suffer problems in walking; whilst for others the consequences have been far more serious, leading to disability in some instances. Some reports have shown that around 10% of children have it as a result of medical negligence during birth. There is a way of preventing cerebral palsy, as the main cause of it is oxygen deprivation during a traumatic birth.
How do you make a medical negligence claim?
If you or your children have suffered at the hands of a medical professional handling your pregnancy and birth, you may be entitled to compensation. Our advisors will understand that you will have gone through immense stress and trauma as a result of the injury, therefore we shall do our best to help you. Our clinical negligence solicitors have a vast amount of experience in this area, and will assess your case individually with sympathy and compassion.
