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When questions remain after loss

Stillbirth, Neonatal & Obstetric Negligence

Stillbirth and neonatal death cases are among the most difficult and sensitive matters we deal with. They go beyond questions of medical care and beyond compensation. At their heart, they are about the effect on parents; the grief, the unanswered questions, and the need to understand whether anything could and should have been done differently.

FREE initial advice

'No win, No fee' available

Over 20 years’ legal experience

1 to 1 contact with your solicitor

You are not expected to have the answers. Our role is to help you understand whether those questions require further investigation.

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What we do

Stillbirth, Neonatal & Obstetric Negligence Claims

Many families come to us at a point where they feel that something was not right during pregnancy, labour, or shortly after birth, but they have not been given a clear or consistent explanation. In some cases, concerns were raised but not acted upon. In others, events unfolded in a way that does not fully make sense when looked at afterwards.

​Book a FREE 30-minute consultation with a specialist

✅ FREE Initial consultation with no obligation

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Contact Us

Speak to a specialist

If you have concerns about the care you received during pregnancy, labour or shortly after birth, you are not expected to reach a conclusion on your own.

 

A FREE, no-obligation discussion allows us to understand your experience and advise whether further investigation is appropriate.

Specialist in Stillbirth, Neonatal & Obstetric Negligence Claims

'No win, No fee' available

FREE inital consultation

Over 20 years’ legal experience

Understanding your concerns

It is not uncommon for parents to feel that concerns during pregnancy or labour were not fully recognised or acted upon.

These concerns often relate to:

reduced foetal movements not being appropriately assessed

delays in recognising or responding to signs of foetal distress

inadequate monitoring during pregnancy or labour

delays in escalation to senior clinicians

delays in delivery where earlier intervention may have been appropriate

failures to identify or manage infection or sepsis

communication issues before, during or after the event

In many cases, it is only after reviewing the full sequence of events that these issues become clear.

The purpose of an investigation

For many families, the initial aim is not to pursue a claim, but to understand what happened. An investigation allows us to:

obtain and review the complete medical records

assess the care provided at each stage of pregnancy and labour

identify whether any failings occurred

consider whether those failings may have affected the outcome

Hospitals will often carry out their own internal investigations, such as a Serious Incident Report (SIR) or Root Cause Analysis (RCA). These can be helpful, but they are not determinative. Independent expert evidence is required to properly assess whether the care met an acceptable standard.

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Miscarriage and early pregnancy loss

Not all miscarriages give rise to legal claims, and the legal position will depend on the circumstances and gestational age. However, concerns may arise where the care provided to the mother fell below an acceptable standard, for example where:

symptoms were not properly investigated

diagnosis was delayed

appropriate treatment was not provided in a timely manner

​Where there are concerns about the care you received, we can review the circumstances and advise whether further investigation is appropriate.

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Liability and causation in obstetric cases

Liability — whether the care was acceptable?

This involves assessing whether the care provided fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent medical professional. This may involve examining:

how symptoms were assessed

whether appropriate monitoring took place

whether concerns were escalated appropriately

whether clinical decisions were made in line with accepted practice

Causation — whether that made a difference?

Even where a failing is identified, it must also be shown that it had a material impact on the outcome. In obstetric cases, this often centres on whether earlier or different intervention would have changed what happened. For example:

would earlier delivery have prevented the outcome?

would appropriate monitoring have identified concerns sooner?

would earlier escalation have led to a different clinical decision?

These are complex issues which require detailed expert analysis.

Helping you get the answers and compensation you deserve

Compensation and outcomes

While many families initially seek answers, a claim may also involve the recovery of compensation where medical negligence is established. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

statutory bereavement awards

funeral expenses

compensation for psychological injury

dependency claims, where applicable

​The level of compensation will depend on the specific facts of the case. Our approach is to ensure that any claim is handled sensitively, while also ensuring that families are properly supported and compensated where appropriate.

How we handle our cases

A careful and respectful approach

We understand that these matters are deeply personal. Our role is not only to provide legal advice, but to do so in a way that is measured, respectful and supportive. We will always be honest with you about the prospects of a claim.

Where the evidence does not support a case, we will tell you that clearly and sensitively at an early stage. Where a claim can be pursued, it will be handled with care, attention and a clear focus on achieving an appropriate outcome.

We understand that no legal process can undo what has happened. Our role is to provide answers, clarity, and where appropriate, accountability.

Speak to a specialist

If you have concerns about the care you received during pregnancy, labour or shortly after birth, you are not expected to reach a conclusion on your own. A free, no-obligation discussion allows us to understand your experience and advise whether further investigation is appropriate.

‘No win, No fee’ available

FREE initial Advice

No obligation

Over 20 years’ legal experience

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