Antenatal Compensation Claims

If you or your child have suffered an antenatal injury following a mistake or negligence by a medical professional during pregnancy, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. The experts at JMW will work with you to secure the outcome that you and your family deserve during what can be an extremely difficult time.

We understand that the legal process may seem daunting, but making a claim can provide financial assistance to help you and your family move forward. We have many years of experience representing families who have been affected by negligence during pregnancy, so we will act efficiently and sympathetically, ensuring the process is as clear and stress-free as possible at all times.

We offer a free, no obligation discussion with a member of our expert clinical negligence team. If you or a family member has suffered due to antenatal negligence, contact JMW today. Simply call 0800 054 6512 or complete our online enquiry form and we will be in touch at a time that is convenient for you. 

Antenatal Injuries Explained

An antenatal (before birth) injury describes any injury or condition that affects a mother or child and could have been avoided, or been less severe, if a doctor or midwife had ordered and properly interpreted the appropriate scans, tests or checks.  

Conditions that are linked to antenatal claims include:

• Abnormal pregnancy
• Pre-eclampsia
• HELLP Syndrome
• Ruptured placenta
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Cephalopelvic Disproportion

Other potential problems that occur following mistakes made during pregnancy include:

• Misdiagnosis of health problems
• Failure to diagnose health problems
• Injuries to the mother
• Injuries to the child 

Ultrasound Scans

During your pregnancy you will be offered optional ultrasound scans to help medical professionals to monitor (the scans use soundwaves to generate a picture of the child) your baby in the womb.

Ultrasound scans are used to:

• Detect abnormalities
• Show the position of the baby in the womb
• Check the baby is growing normally

Hospitals should offer at least two ultrasound scans during pregnancy: at some point between 8-14 weeks and between 18-21 weeks. However, if you think you weren't offered a scan, or feel a mistake was made by those interpreting the results, leading to an injury, you could be entitled to compensation.

Antenatal Tests

There is a range of other tests that are used to make sure mother and child are in good health during pregnancy. They include:

• Antenatal urine tests
• Blood pressure tests
• Weight and height tests

Blood tests

In addition, blood tests - again optional - will be offered at different stages of the pregnancy to make sure that the baby is healthy. Possible blood tests include:

• Blood group
• Diabetes
• Anaemia
• Rhesus disease