A Mother’s Loss: When a Forceps Delivery Goes Tragically Wrong
The injury
In the weeks leading up to her due date, the pregnancy had been healthy and largely uneventful. However, during the final two weeks, she began to notice changes—her abdomen increased in size more rapidly, she experienced worsening back pain, and she became concerned about a reduction in her baby’s movements.
Seeking reassurance, she attended hospital for monitoring. After assessment, she was advised to return the following morning for induction of labour.
During discussions about her delivery options, she was guided by medical advice and chose to proceed with a natural birth, having been reassured that this would be the safest approach for her baby.
Tragically, the delivery became traumatic, and an attempted forceps-assisted birth was unsuccessful. Heartbreakingly, her baby passed away the following day.
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Concerned about care during pregnancy or childbirth which has harmed you or your baby?
How MDS Medical Law can help
Nothing will ever make up for the loss of your baby.
You will no doubt have lots of questions about what happened, and you will want answers. You may want to make sure that what happened to you does not happen to anyone else.
Our role at MDS Medical law is to help you, whatever your concerns.
If you decide to pursue a claim for compensation through the legal process, then we can represent you and work with you through the legal process.
Whilst no amount of money will ever make up for your loss, compensation may go some way towards ensuring that bereaved parents are able to grieve properly and process their loss, without the added worry of financial hardship due to, for example, funeral costs and loss of earnings.
Compensation can also help fund expert care and support for the psychological injury suffered to help understand the loss and prepare for the future.
Sometimes, a compensation claim is also the most appropriate mechanism by which to get an explanation and answers about maternity care and to seek accountability, an apology and to ensure lessons are learned to prevent further harm.
Our team of legal experts specialise in maternity and stillbirth claims We will take the time to listen to you and will discuss and deal with your claim in a sensitive, empathetic and supportive way.
What happened?
When discussing delivery options, Mum relied on medical guidance and consented to proceed with a vaginal birth, having been advised that this was the safest option for her baby. This was Mum’s first child.
During labour, complications arose and the delivery became traumatic. It is understood that the attending doctor requested additional assistance; however, no support arrived. A forceps-assisted delivery was attempted.
At the time of birth, baby was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit. The parents were not provided with clear or timely updates. It was only after a transfer to another hospital that they were informed their baby had sustained a traumatic head injury associated with the forceps delivery and had been placed on life support.
Despite best efforts, baby’s condition could be not stabilised and she died the following day.
How can MDS Medical Law Help you?
While no amount of compensation will ever be enough for the loss of your loved one and your loved one’s suffering, if your loss is as a result of healthcare negligence, we can help you through the legal process for investigating your concerns against a healthcare professional and your negligence claim if there is one.
We will do this by providing legal representation on a no-win-no-fee basis
to investigate what happened, help you get some answers, help seek justice, and help to secure compensation which you may be entitled to.
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The outcome
The hospital later acknowledged that earlier intervention should have taken place and accepted that the baby’s death could and should have been avoided.
Mum subsequently received compensation for the injuries she suffered as a result of the traumatic events and the loss of her child.
Getting support if you have lost a baby or a child
There are a number of organisations who provide support for parents who have suffered the loss of a baby or a child.
Here are a few who may be able to provide you with assistance at this sad time.
Disclaimer
Whilst our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including the severity of injury, effects on life expectancy and financial impact, for example. For more information, contact us today.
Our Approach
We will support you, guide you and be your voice throughout.
If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
