Stillbirth Compensation after Medical Negligence during Labour

Elizabeth began a stillbirth compensation claim after her daughter was tragically stillborn. Elizabeth initially instructed another firm of solicitors but she felt they lacked empathy so she came to us. We promptly arranged much needed bereavement counselling to help her cope with the loss of her daughter.

Elizabeth pursued a claim for damages for psychiatric injury sustained as a result of the death of her daughter. Elizabeth’s daughter was stillborn as a result of negligent treatment provided during labour.

The pregnancy had progressed without any problems and she went into labour at full term plus 9 days. However, the labour did not progress well and she needed an emergency caesarean section. The decisions taken during the labour contributed to the baby’s stillbirth.

When Elizabeth awoke from surgery she was told her daughter had not survived.

Elizabeth suffered a severe bereavement reaction, a major depressive episode and a specific phobia. Her life was significantly affected as a result of the psychiatric injury. She needed extensive counselling by way of cognitive behavioural therapy together with anti-depressant medication.

Barratts medical negligence team were pro-active in arranging CBT for Elizabeth to ensure her best recovery. Elizabeth did make a steady recovery from the psychiatric injury.

The Defendants admitted liability for the negligence at an early stage. However, we could not settle the case until Elizabeth had undergone treatment and a final prognosis given. Finally, Elizabeth’s stillbirth compensation claim settled out of court for £44,000.

If you have been affected by any similar issues, you can read more of our birth injury compensation case studies or you can call us on 0115 931 5171. You will be able to talk to one of experienced and empathetic specialist solicitors.