Obstetrics and Gynaecology Claims

OBSTETRICS EXPLAINED

Obstetrics is the branch of health involving childbirth, and also covers the care of the mother during, and shortly after, pregnancy. Generally, women are considered to be their most vulnerable when pregnant and giving birth, so receiving care of the highest standard is essential at this time. Unfortunately, errors are sometimes made, and these can be incredibly damaging to both the mother and baby.

Types of obstetrics claims that are among the most common include:

• Delays in diagnosis for a variety of conditions such as the need for a caesarean, ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Errors during labour and delivery, including mistakes using forceps and otherwise avoidable injuries to the mother and baby
• Problems regarding antenatal care
• Mistakes made while consulting baby scans, which lead to missed abnormalities such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, prolapse of the umbilical cord or spastic quadriplegia

GYNAECOLOGY EXPLAINED

Gynaecology is the branch of health regarding the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses in the female reproductive system, and this area is closely linked to obstetrics due to the effects that clinical negligence during pregnancy can have on women.

The most common types of gynaecological claims we have dealt with include:

• Failure to diagnose and treat infection, or in more serious cases, cancer
• A delay in the diagnosis of an infection or cancer
• Failed sterilisation
• Substandard surgery

If you or a loved one have suffered due to medical negligence during childbirth or surgery, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. The impact such an incident can have on you or your child is astonishing, potentially ranging from loss of earnings and medical care costs to the adaption of the home to support any disability incurred.