Stillbirth.

Stillbirth Medical Negligence Compensation Claims.

Experiencing a stillbirth is every expectant parent’s worst nightmare.

To carry a child past 24 weeks gestation, and even up to full term, and to then not bring that child safely home, is one of the most devastating and life-changing things that can happen to an expectant parent. Suffering a stillbirth takes a huge psychological toll on parents, as well as the physical impact of the pregnancy and birth. The suffering of the parents is further exacerbated in cases where the stillbirth was a direct result of medical negligence during pregnancy or labour.

No amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a baby, but stillbirth clinical negligence compensation can go some way to ensuring the bereaved parents are able to grieve properly and process their loss, without the added worry of financial hardship due to funeral costs and loss of earnings. Pursuing legal action after a stillbirth can also help to ensure no other family has to suffer in the future due to the negligence of medical professionals.

Here at Lanyon Bowdler we understand how heart-breaking a stillbirth can be, and we pride ourselves on handling such legal cases with the sensitivity, dignity and diligence they deserve. We are on your team, and we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

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What is a Stillbirth?

A stillbirth is defined by the NHS as a baby born after 24 weeks gestation who is no longer alive. If the baby is lost before 24 weeks of gestation, it is usually classed as a miscarriage. Sadly, stillbirths happen more often than people realise; according to official figures from the ONS, in 2020 the stillbirth rate in the UK was around one in every 263 births.

 

Why do Stillbirths Happen?

Some stillbirths occur due to natural causes; for example, placental issues, the health of the mother, and birth defects which are incompatible with life can all potentially lead to the death of a baby in utero. However, in some cases a mother may have a completely uncomplicated, textbook pregnancy, but a stillbirth could occur due to negligent care provided to the mother and child at any stage during the pregnancy or labour.

Medical negligence that could lead to a stillbirth can include the following:

  • Failure to examine the mother properly during different stages of labour
  • Failure to provide adequate pain relief to the mother during labour, which could lead to undue distress for the baby
  • Inadequate monitoring and detection of fetal distress during labour
  • Failure to detect issues in utero, such as placental or umbilical cord problems
  • Failure to detect and treat maternal conditions such as pre-eclampsia, bacterial infections, and obstetric cholestasis
  • Misinterpretation of test results, heart rate monitoring and ultrasound scans
  • Failure to adequately assess mothers with risk factors such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure

If you have experienced a stillbirth which you feel was caused due to negligence, please get in touch with us, and our friendly and sympathetic team of solicitors will be happy to discuss your legal options.

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Our Stillbirth Negligence Claims Expertise

Lanyon Bowdler’s team of Stillbirth Negligence Claims Solicitors has built incredible experience in this delicate field of medical negligence. We will fight for you with compassion, and ensure justice for all those affected by this traumatic experience. Contact us today.

Why choose Lanyon Bowdler to make your claim?

Our people, your team. Working together, we can achieve the best possible outcome for your clinical negligence compensation claim.

Our Medical Negligence department includes an in-house doctor and two nurses, and the team has been awarded the Specialist Quality Mark by the Legal Services Commission. In addition to this we also have members of the team who have been individually recognised by AvMA.

We are one of the leading law firms representing the West Midlands, North Wales, and the Marches, with our Medical Negligence team being recognised in Tier One in The Legal 500, in which the department has been described as “distinct and outstanding”.

We offer flexible pricing options, including conditional funding arrangements (also known as “no win-no fee”), so we are able to accommodate clients with a variety of budgets and requirements, tailoring our services to meet your needs.

We strongly feel that our reputation and accreditations put us in the fortunate position to be able to offer our clients the highest level of service. If you’d like us on your team as you seek justice for your child, we would love to help you.

Your Stillbirth Negligence Questions answered

Can I claim compensation after a stillbirth?

Losing a baby to stillbirth can have a serious and lasting psychological impact on parents, which can be made worse in instances where the death of a baby could have been prevented through due diligence during pregnancy and labour by the midwives, obstetricians, and any other medical staff involved in the care of mother and baby.

In some cases, parents may have attended hospital with concerns for their unborn child, such as experiencing reduced fetal movements, and they may find that their worries were not taken seriously enough. If this is the case and it results in a stillbirth, parents can feel an overwhelming sense of guilt that they could have done more to prevent the death of their baby.

Pursuing a compensation claim for medical negligence resulting in a stillbirth can help parents to process what has happened and can aid them in their grief. It can help parents to find out what caused the stillbirth, ensure they get justice for their baby, and also help to prevent the same thing from happening to another family in the future.

Our compassionate and dedicated solicitors are on your team, we will work closely with you, taking the time to get to know you and understand your circumstances in order to provide you with clear advice of your options.

Can I make a compensation claim as well as an NHS complaint?

Yes, you can do both. If you wish to make a complaint against the NHS you need to do so within 12 months of the incident. After submitting your complaint, the NHS will respond by outlining how they intend to investigate the matter and provide you with a timescale in which you can expect a formal response from them.

In addition to making an NHS complaint, you can also pursue a compensation claim for the negligent treatment you have experienced. In many cases, following the complaints procedure can support your legal claim as an investigation will be opened by the NHS which can then be used as evidence in support of your stillbirth compensation claim.

What happens when I make a stillbirth claim?

When you contact us regarding a potential medical negligence claim, we will arrange for a member of our team to speak to you, ensuring they listen to your story, ask any relevant questions, and take the time to understand what you are going through. From there, we will then assess all the information you have provided us with, before advising you on the next steps that need to be taken.

It can help your claim if you are able to collect any supporting evidence, such as hospital reports, medical records, statements from medical professionals, your maternity and delivery notes, and anything else that may be relevant to your case. The more evidence and information you are able to provide us with, the faster we can assess your claim and help you in seeking justice for you and your family.

How much compensation could I receive for a stillbirth?

The amount of compensation you could be awarded will vary depending on your individual circumstances and the extent of the physical and mental suffering you have experienced or may be likely to experience in the future.

When assessing your claim, the following aspects will be taken into account:

  • Loss of earnings for any time taken off work
  • Predicted future financial loss, including lost income
  • Funeral expenses
  • Childcare costs for any other children you may have
  • Costs for therapy, counselling, and psychiatric treatment
  • Costs incurred for care and support
  • Travel costs to and from therapy sessions
  • Short and long-term emotional pain and distress

Our team of medical negligence lawyers are highly experienced in claims of this nature, and we can offer advice throughout your claim to give you some idea of the projected amount of compensation that you may be likely to receive.

How long do I have to make a stillbirth compensation claim?

The timeframe in which to make a claim is typically three years from the date that the negligent care occurred, or from the date on which you first discovered that your stillbirth was as a direct result of clinical negligence. The earlier you are able to contact us, the more time we will have in which to build your case and achieve the best possible outcome for you. If you have any concerns, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Will I be required to attend a stillbirth inquest?

In line with the law in England and Wales, coroners don’t typically have the jurisdiction to investigate stillbirths, so an inquest may not need to take place. A review into how the stillbirth happened will usually be conducted by the NHS Trust responsible for your care. In instances where a review is not carried out, or the review is inadequate, we can request on your behalf that a formal inquest take place if there is reason to suspect that the death was “unnatural” and preventable. If this is the case, we can assist with representation at the inquest.

We understand how harrowing the process can be for grieving parents, and we handle each case with compassion, ensuring your mental wellbeing is not compromised in the pursuit for justice.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

I will always take your advice, thank you for keeping me updated your service has been exemplary.

Bev

I contacted Lanyon Bowdler for advice on a Welsh Redress offer I received after a recent never event incident that happened during my ectopic pregnancy procedure. The advice and service I received from the very first phone call was fantastic. The advice and information from Emma Hart was clear and her approach was professional while being in a friendly manor. I was kept fully aware of what was happening and I am so thankful to her for sorting everything so quick and easy on my behalf. Her service was truly amazing.

Elin
via ReviewSolicitors

Was satisfied with the work they’ve done for my family, my experience with them all was very good and welcoming thank you all involved.

Michele
via ReviewSolicitors

Communication was second to none. Thank you.

Mr G
Telford

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Over the last seven years I have been represented by Lanyon Bowdler in a clinical negligence case. Throughout this time, I put my complete trust in the firm and they did not let me down.

Darren
via ReviewSolicitors

My solicitor kept me informed on everything in the five years that it took to have a successful claim.

Gill
via ReviewSolicitors

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Our first experience with a medical claim has been made that much more painless by the clear and consistent advice provided to date, thank you.

Peter
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Where Can I Get Support After a Stillbirth?

A stillbirth is likely to leave parents with long-term problems, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and in some cases there may be ongoing physical problems faced by the mother after the birth. In cases where the stillbirth was a direct result of negligent care, it’s understandable that bereaved parents may lose faith in the medical profession, and therefore be unsure who to turn to for help and support.

There are a number of charities dedicated to supporting anyone who has been affected by the loss of a child:

  • Sands – Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths (Sands) is a charity which offers practical help and emotional support to families affected by baby loss. Many of the charity’s advisors have themselves lost a baby so they are able to offer advice from a place of deep understanding and empathy. The Sands website offers a wealth of advice and information, and the charity also operates a nationwide helpline for bereaved parents and their family members, as well as a number of in-person groups that can be attended throughout the UK.
  • Tommy’s – The UK’s largest charity dedicated to researching stillbirth, miscarriage, and premature birth. In 2019 the Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvement was founded, providing a valuable resource for parents, midwives, doctors, and the NHS to deal with the challenges faced by baby loss.
  • Abigail’s Footsteps – This charity helps families cope with stillbirth by providing counselling and support. Abigail’s Footsteps also provide specialist bereavement training for midwives, ensuring bereaved parents are looked after properly and signposted in the right direction once they leave hospital.

Most maternity wards will have a bereavement midwife who is able to offer advice and care to bereaved parents. It is not a position that any expectant parent ever wishes to find themselves in, however there is a wealth of resources available to guide you and counsel you through your tragic loss.

Contact Lanyon Bowdler’s Stillbirth Negligence Claims Solicitors

At Lanyon Bowdler, we take pride in being a friendly and approachable law firm, so please get in touch to discuss what has happened to you and find out how we can help. Our team of specialist Stillbirth Negligence Lawyers are part of our award-winning medical negligence team, we will be happy to talk you through the process of filing a compensation claim.

If you think you or a family member has been treated negligently by a hospital or medical staff during pregnancy or childbirth, then it is likely you are entitled to claim compensation. Give us a call or complete our online enquiry form, to see how our team can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. There is no obligation on you or any charges for our initial assessment.

By choosing Lanyon Bowdler for your Stillbirth Medical Negligence Claim, you can rest assured that you have the best legal expertise on your team. Lanyon Bowdler’s Medical Negligence Team is widely acclaimed and recognised as one of the best clinical negligence departments in the country. We are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care and will work closely and considerately with you to help find the best outcomes and help to get your life back on track.

We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, so are able to act for clients all over Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and across the Midlands (including Wolverhampton & Birmingham). As a leading full-service law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Our people

Meet the team.

Beth Heath
Beth Heath
Partner
Medical Negligence
Emma Broomfield
Emma Broomfield
Partner
Medical Negligence
Laura Weir
Laura Weir
Partner
Medical Negligence
Lucy Small
Lucy Small
Partner
Medical Negligence
Isabella Drummond
Isabella Drummond
Paralegal Apprentice
Personal Injury | Medical Negligence
Phoebe Blythin
Phoebe Blythin
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
Bryn Auger
Bryn Auger
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
Rebecca Asquith
Rebecca Asquith
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
Martin Hood
Martin Hood
Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Ola Muras
Ola Muras
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
Emma Hart
Emma Hart
Associate Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Natasha Gibbons
Natasha Gibbons
Senior Associate Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Georgia Bennett
Georgia Bennett
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
Amy Bills
Amy Bills
Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Claudia Booth
Claudia Booth
Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Sophie Bridges
Sophie Bridges
Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Nicole Smith
Nicole Smith
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
Emily Poyner
Emily Poyner
Trainee Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris
Trainee Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Adam Hodson
Adam Hodson
Senior Associate Solicitor
Medical Negligence
David Hughes
David Hughes
Associate Costs Manager
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Kate Ivey
Kate Ivey
Legal Assistant (ACILEX)
Medical Negligence
Alicia Johns
Alicia Johns
Associate Legal Executive (FCILEX)
Medical Negligence
Kay Kelly
Kay Kelly
Consultant
Medical Negligence
Knowledge

Case studies.

Case Study
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Six Figure Settlement Obtained For Psychiatric Injuries Following Traumatic Birth

Throughout this pregnancy, Mrs XD developed a strong instinct that something would go wrong with the second twin if deli...
18 Jul 2023
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Case Study
Close up of flower

Six Figure Settlement Obtained For Psychiatric Injuries Following Traumatic Birth

Throughout this pregnancy, Mrs XD developed a strong instinct that something would go wrong with the second twin if deli...
18 Jul 2023
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Despite the challenges those with cerebral palsy face, they are capable of achieving incredible things, thus highli...
Claudia Booth • 31 Mar 2023
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Breech Baby Scan

A scan showing that the baby is breech means that the baby could be manually turned or a planned C-section could be...
Beth Heath • 24 Apr 2019
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Countess Of Chester Baby Deaths

The long-running investigation into the hospital’s neonatal unit by Cheshire Constabulary began in May 2017.
Laura Weir • 03 Jul 2018
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