When someone is pregnant, they expect to be able to rely on the advice and knowledge of medical professionals to take care of them and their unborn child. Unfortunately, mistakes can occur either prior to or during the birth that can lead to the death of the child. When a baby is born dead, this is also referred to as stillbirth.
If you’ve tragically suffered a stillbirth, we understand that nothing that anyone will ever say will ever change your loss. However, we also believe that parents whose baby has died due to medical negligence should have the option if they want to, to pursue legal action to hold those responsible accountable. This can sometimes result in real changes in hospitals, as well as the parents receiving compensation to help them access expert support during this troubling time.
The legal complexities surrounding stillbirths can be complicated, and we know that dealing with these can feel overwhelming during this distressing time. Our stillbirth negligence claims solicitors near Nottingham are here to support you, sensitively helping you to navigate the claims processes and get the answers that you deserve. We have years of experience helping bereft parents receive the compensation that they are entitled to.
Our stillbirth compensation claims solicitors take a sensitive and compassionate approach to every case, ensuring you receive the emotional support you require and that your questions and concerns are heard. We appreciate that clients are going through a traumatic time and always do everything we can to ensure that the claims process is as stress-free as possible.
Our stillbirth compensation claims solicitors near Nottingham can offer you the following:
- A free initial consultation on your claim
- No win, no fee funding
- A negotiation-led approach that means most claims are settled out of court
- Independently accredited expertise you can trust
- A very high track record of successful claims
- A sensitive, personal service to support you during this difficult time
- A free rehabilitation service to aid your recovery.
Do you have a question about stillbirth claims for compensation? Please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions About Stillbirth Claims or get in touch and we will be happy to guide you.
Ashtons Legal Medical Negligence Team
At Ashtons Legal, we place a strong emphasis on caring for our clients and fostering meaningful relationships. Our aim is to offer a personalised service tailored to your specific situation, provided by friendly and approachable solicitors. Putting our client’s needs at the forefront of our practice is of utmost importance to us.
Our team of expert solicitors near Nottingham possess extensive expertise in supporting clients who have experienced the devastating loss of a child through stillbirth. Rest assured, our solicitors are highly skilled and knowledgeable and demonstrate sensitivity and empathy at every stage of the process. When handling stillbirth compensation claims on behalf of our clients, we prioritise both clarity and transparency.
We are committed to avoiding confusing legal jargon and instead explaining everything in clear, plain English. We understand that our clients are facing heart-wrenching circumstances and require specialised advice and support from solicitors with experience and a compassionate manner.
Ashtons Legal is an industry-leading law firm. We are acknowledged by the leading client guides, the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We are also proud to hold many professional accreditations, including Lexcel, AvMa, Brain Injury Group, APIL and many more.
The senior members of our medical negligence team are recognised by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) as either Senior Fellows or Senior Litigators. In addition, the team are on the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel and Sharon Allison, our Head of Medical Negligence, is also a part of the Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) Clinical Negligence Panel.
Stillbirth Claims Case Studies
Settlement obtained for woman who suffered avoidable stillbirth
How to Make a Stillbirth Claim
Our stillbirth claims lawyers near Nottingham will be able to guide you through the entire claims process. Our solicitors will handle everything for you, providing an excellent support service.
Our stillbirth negligence claims service includes the following:
- Assessing your stillbirth negligence claim
- No win, no fee funding
- Building your medical negligence stillbirth case, including access to experienced medical experts to support your claim
- Representation at Inquest if required
- Drafting and submitting a Letter of Claim setting out allegations of negligence should we obtain supportive expert evidence to proceed with a claim
- Mediation processes to try and reach a settlement with the Defendant
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Access to our free rehabilitation service for ongoing health support.
To make a stillbirth claim, get in touch with our solicitors at Ashtons Legal. Below you can find more information about the specific steps involved in the claims process.
Our Stillbirth Compensation Claims Service
Assessing Your Stillbirth Claim
Our team of medical negligence lawyers will conduct a thorough review of your case, attentively listening to the circumstances and assessing their impact. This comprehensive approach enables us to evaluate the strengths of any potential claim. Additionally, we will provide expert guidance on the various funding options available, including the option of ‘no win, no fee’ funding.
‘No Win No Fee’ Stillbirth Claims
We offer the ‘no win, no fee’ funding option, which means that you will only be required to pay our fees if your stillbirth compensation claim is successful and you are awarded the compensation. In the event that your case is not successful, you will not be responsible for any costs related to the investigation, and Ashtons Legal will completely write off any incurred fees. This funding arrangement is formally referred to as a ‘conditional fee agreement’.
Building Your Stillbirth Medical Negligence Case
Our medical negligence solicitors near Nottingham are dedicated to meticulously constructing your stillbirth claim, and this involves gathering all relevant evidence. This process includes obtaining your medical records to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events and reviewing any internal investigation conducted by the hospital or external investigation carried out by the Healthcare Safety Investigative Branch (HSIB). Additionally, we will take your account of what happened and draft a witness statement on your behalf. To further assess whether your treatment was negligent and contributed to the loss of your baby, we will approach and instruct medical experts.
This comprehensive investigation allows our solicitors near Nottingham to gain a clear understanding of your situation, the events leading to the stillbirth, and the profound impact it has had on you and your family.
Submitting the Letter of Claim
Where medical experts are of the opinion that the treatment you received was substandard, our solicitors will then prepare and submit a Letter of Claim. This document will outline the allegations of negligence and how it led to the death of your child, which will then be sent to the defendant.
Additionally, the Letter of Claim will detail the significant impact the death of your child has had on your life and the amount of compensation being sought. Should the hospital admit negligence, our team will assess the value of your claim and engage in negotiations with the hospital to secure a settlement on your behalf.
On the other hand, if the hospital denies that the death of your child was caused by substandard treatment, we will carefully review their response with the support of the experts we have instructed.
It is important to understand that issuing court proceedings does not necessarily mean that you will have to go to trial. In fact, the majority of cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without the need for a trial. Our priority is to achieve a fair and just outcome for you, and we will diligently work towards reaching a resolution that addresses the losses and suffering you have endured due to the death of your child.
Mediation Processes
In the event that the hospital accepts responsibility for the death of your child, our stillbirth claims solicitors can facilitate a settlement through alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Choosing these out-of-court processes can lead to a significantly quicker resolution of your claim compared to the time-consuming nature of going through court proceedings.
Court Processes
If mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods prove unsuccessful in finding a resolution, our solicitors are fully prepared to represent you in court proceedings. Throughout this process, we will stand by your side, ensuring you receive the best possible representation and support every step of the way. Your best interests will always be our top priority as we navigate the legal proceedings on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
What is negligence in pregnancy?
Negligence in pregnancy refers to when an error occurs during pregnancy and/or childbirth, resulting in the mother, child or both sustaining injuries, and where this was caused by a medical professional. Where negligent behaviour by medical professionals occurs, there are grounds for a claim on behalf of the individual affected.
Can you sue for stillbirth?
Tragically, certain instances involve the occurrence of a stillborn infant. Such situations may have been preventable had timely and proper measures been implemented by the healthcare providers. If you have suffered these circumstances, you could potentially be able to sue for stillbirth, claiming compensation in the event of your baby’s passing.
Nottingham Maternity Scandal
Currently, an investigation is taking place involving Nottingham University Hospital, where it is suggested that potentially thousands of babies may have lost their lives due to medical negligence by the professionals working at this hospital. Following an initial investigation by the Independent and Channel 4 news in 2021, it is suggested that there are multiple cases of babies dying and being left brain-damaged after errors were made during childbirth. The investigation is still ongoing.
If you are someone who has been affected by this, we urge you to speak to one of our solicitors, as you may have grounds for a claim.
Get in Touch with Our Stillbirth Solicitors near Nottingham
To make a stillbirth compensation claim, please contact our experienced stillbirth claims solicitors. You will be offered a free initial consultation to sensitively discuss the particulars of your case and plan the potential next steps.
You can get in touch by calling 0330 1914835, emailing enquiries@ashtonslegal.co.uk or filling in the enquiry form on the right-hand side of our contact page.