Childbirth Psychological Injury Compensation Claims Solicitors.

In general, the time limit for bringing a maternal psychological injury claim is three years from the date of the injury or the ‘date of knowledge’ of the injury (to cover situations where the impacts of an injury surface at a future time).

There are, however, a number of circumstances which may extend the period in which you are eligible to start a claim. We can discuss your options with you following an assessment of your case.

We can support your maternal psychological injury claim through a range of funding options, including our No Win No Fee Injury Claim promise, as well as through private funding, and legal expenses insurance. Our solicitors will consider whether we can handle your maternal psychological injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis at the point of an initial evaluation of the circumstance surrounding your injury.

If you have experienced emotional or psychological trauma following childbirth due to medical negligence, such as errors in anaesthesia, poor monitoring, or a failure to act on complications, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. This typically applies to the mother, but in some circumstances, a birth partner or immediate family member may also be affected and potentially able to claim if the psychological impact is severe and linked to the negligent care received.

Whether you are still trying to understand what went wrong or already suspect that poor care contributed to your trauma, our team can help you explore your rights with sensitivity and clarity.

Psychological injuries following childbirth can take many forms. Some of the more common conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postnatal depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and adjustment disorders. In certain cases, women may also experience symptoms such as intrusive flashbacks, emotional numbness, or difficulties bonding with their baby, all of which can stem from a traumatic or mismanaged birth experience.

To qualify for compensation, the injury must have resulted from negligent medical care, for example, a failure to properly administer anaesthesia, delays in responding to distress, or being denied informed consent before emergency interventions.

It’s completely understandable to feel daunted by the idea of having to “prove” what you’ve been through. That’s where we come in. Our role is to support you in building a strong case that demonstrates a clear link between the negligence you experienced and the psychological harm that followed.

This usually involves gathering your medical records, expert opinions from independent medical professionals, and documenting the sequence of events before, during and after the birth. Our solicitors will take the time to understand your journey and will guide you through every step of the process with care and empathy.

To support a claim for psychological birth injury, we will typically need to obtain and review:

• Your full maternity and medical records
• A formal diagnosis of your psychological condition, usually from a psychiatrist or psychologist
• Details of the events surrounding the birth, including timelines, procedures, and any communication failures
• Independent expert opinion to confirm the standard of care was substandard
• Documentation of how your daily life has been affected – including time off work, need for therapy, or support with childcare

Every case is unique, so we’ll tailor our approach based on your specific circumstances, making sure you feel informed and supported at every stage.

Yes, you can. Many women who experience trauma during childbirth suffer both physical and emotional injuries. For example, an anaesthetic error may cause significant physical pain during surgery, but also lead to long-term psychological distress. Where both types of harm have occurred as a result of negligence, it is possible and important to include both in your traumatic birth compensation claim.

We will ensure that all aspects of your experience are properly considered so that your claim reflects the full impact on your life.

A successful claim can cover a wide range of financial and emotional losses. This may include:

• Compensation for your pain, suffering and emotional distress
• The cost of psychological therapies or counselling
• Loss of earnings, if you’ve had to take time off work or reduce hours
• Costs of childcare or domestic help
• Any necessary future treatment or support
• Impact on your ability to bond with your child or maintain family life

While no amount of money can undo what has happened, compensation can provide the resources you need to begin your recovery and rebuild confidence in your future.

Every psychological birth injury case is different, and the amount of compensation will depend on the severity of your symptoms, how long they are likely to last, and how significantly your life has been affected.

We will work closely with independent medical experts to assess your condition and ensure your claim takes into account both your current situation and future needs. While it’s not possible to give an exact figure at the outset, we will always provide honest, clear advice about what you may be entitled to as your case progresses.

Most medical negligence claims are resolved without going to court. In many cases, once the healthcare provider (such as the NHS) accepts responsibility, a settlement can be negotiated outside of a courtroom.

However, if your case does go to court, please rest assured that we will be by your side throughout the process, guiding you and protecting your interests every step of the way. Our priority is always to achieve the best outcome for you, in the least stressful way possible.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we usually handle psychological birth injury claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means there is no upfront cost to begin your claim, and if your case is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay anything.

We’ll talk you through all your funding options at the outset and explain any potential costs in a clear, straightforward way, so you can make informed decisions from day one.

The time it takes to resolve a claim can vary, depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly the other side accepts responsibility. Some claims may settle within 12 to 18 months, while more complex matters may take longer, especially if long-term prognosis or treatment needs are still being assessed.

We understand how important it is to have clarity and support during this time, which is why we keep you updated throughout, and always move your case forward as efficiently as possible.

Many birth injury claims do involve NHS trusts. If you are claiming against the NHS, your case will be handled by NHS Resolution, the body that deals with medical negligence claims on behalf of NHS organisations.

Bringing a claim against the NHS does not affect your right to ongoing care. Your medical records will remain confidential, and your current treatment should continue as normal. We’ll ensure everything is handled respectfully and professionally, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we focus on getting answers and the compensation you deserve.