Stillbirth Claims Solicitors in Peterborough
Losing a baby to stillbirth is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. If you believe that substandard medical care contributed to your loss, you may be entitled to make a stillbirth compensation claim. We understand how painful it can be to consider taking legal advice at such an unbearable time, and we approach every case with the sensitivity and respect it deserves.
At Ashtons Legal, our stillbirth claims solicitors are nationally recognised specialists in medical negligence. We understand that no amount of compensation can undo your loss, but a successful claim can provide financial security, access to support, and a measure of accountability that many families find meaningful.
We offer:
- A free initial consultation to assess your claim
- No win, no fee funding options
- Specialist accreditations from the Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), and the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel
- Rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners
- A compassionate, personalised service at every stage
Contact our stillbirth claims solicitors in Peterborough
Our nearest office to Peterborough is our Cambridge office, and our team is ready to help you explore your options. You can call us on 0330 404 0776 or complete our online enquiry form. We can also arrange a virtual consultation if travelling is difficult at this time.
Ashtons Legal’s medical negligence team
Our medical negligence team has built a national reputation for handling complex and sensitive claims, including stillbirth negligence claims, and is led by Ben Ward, a recognised authority in this area.
Ben and his team hold accreditations from the AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel, are Senior Fellows and Senior Litigators of APIL, and are members of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel. We’re ranked by both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. These accreditations reflect the depth of knowledge and peer recognition that our solicitors have earned through decades of experience. You will receive advice from a team whose solicitors are recognised by leading independent bodies as experts in this field.
How to make a stillbirth claim
To bring a stillbirth negligence claim, you’ll need to show that the medical professionals involved owed you a duty of care, that this duty was breached, and that the breach caused or materially contributed to the stillbirth. This is a complex legal test, but one our team is experienced in navigating.
Stillbirth claims often involve failures to monitor foetal heart rate adequately, delays in performing an emergency caesarean section, missed signs of foetal distress, or failures to act on reduced foetal movement. If you’re unsure whether your circumstances give rise to a claim, a free initial consultation with our team is the best place to start.
In most cases, claims must be brought within three years of the date of the stillbirth. We’d encourage you to seek advice as early as possible.
Our stillbirth compensation claims service
Assessing your stillbirth claim
We begin with a thorough and compassionate review of your case. We’ll ask about the circumstances of your care during pregnancy and labour, and we’ll listen carefully to your account of what happened. If we believe your claim has reasonable prospects of success, we’ll explain the next steps clearly and discuss the funding options available to you.
We work with independent medical experts from the outset to assess whether the care you received met the required standard. Their specialist input is central to building a strong case.
Building your stillbirth medical negligence case
Gathering evidence is a critical part of every stillbirth compensation claim. We’ll obtain your full medical records and any other relevant documentation. We’ll instruct expert witnesses to provide an independent opinion on whether the standard of care fell below what was reasonable, and what difference timely or appropriate intervention might have made.
We’ll keep you updated at every stage and ensure you understand exactly what we’re doing on your behalf and why.
Submitting the Letter of Claim
If the expert evidence supports your case, we’ll draft a detailed Letter of Claim to send to the defendant. This sets out the alleged failings, explains the harm caused, and invites the defendant to respond. Their response will then shape the next phase of your claim.
Mediation processes
Where the defendant acknowledges liability, or where there’s scope for negotiation, we’ll work to reach a fair settlement through dialogue or formal mediation. This approach allows many stillbirth compensation claims to be resolved without the need for court proceedings, which can spare you the additional stress and uncertainty of litigation.
We’ll provide clear advice on any offers made and will not advise you to accept a settlement that we don’t consider reasonable. Any offer will be explained to you in full, including the risks, and the decision as to whether to accept an offer will ultimately be yours.
Court processes
If an acceptable settlement can’t be reached and the merits in your case remain strong, we’ll issue court proceedings and support you throughout the process. Court proceedings in stillbirth claims are relatively uncommon, as most cases do settle, but our team is fully equipped to represent you at trial if that becomes necessary.
‘No win, no fee’ stillbirth claims
Stillbirth claim fees
We offer no win, no fee funding for stillbirth compensation claims. This means you won’t pay any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, the defendant will typically meet most of your legal costs.
We’re committed to transparency about fees from the very start. We’ll explain how the funding arrangement works before you commit to anything, and we’ll keep you informed throughout so there are never any surprises.
Why choose Ashtons Legal?
Stillbirth claims are among the most sensitive and complex cases in medical negligence law. Choosing a firm with genuine specialist expertise matters. Our team has decades of experience supporting families through claims arising from stillbirth, and we bring both depth of legal knowledge and genuine compassion to every case.
We’re nationally recognised, independently accredited, and led by specialists who are known and respected across the profession. For families in Peterborough, our Cambridge office is your nearest point of contact for advice you can trust.
To discuss stillbirth claims in Peterborough, please get in touch today.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stillbirth negligence claim?
A stillbirth negligence claim is brought where a baby is stillborn, and there is reason to believe that substandard medical care contributed to that outcome. To succeed, the claim must establish that a duty of care was owed, that this duty was breached, and that the breach caused or contributed to the loss.
How much compensation could I receive?
Stillbirth settlements vary significantly depending on the circumstances of each case. Compensation can cover bereavement, psychological injury, loss of earnings, funeral costs, and the cost of any ongoing treatment or therapy. Our team will assess your specific situation as the case progresses, and give you a realistic view of what your claim may be worth.
Do I have to go to court?
Most stillbirth compensation claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation without a court hearing. However, if we are unable to reach a reasonable settlement and the merits of your case remain strong, we’re prepared to issue court proceedings and will support you throughout.
How long do I have to make a stillbirth claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the stillbirth to bring a claim. If you’re unsure whether you are within time, please contact us as soon as possible. There are limited circumstances in which the time limit can be extended, and we can advise you on your specific position.
Contact our stillbirth claims solicitors in Peterborough
If you’d like to discuss a stillbirth compensation claim, we’re here to help. Call us on 0330 404 0776 or complete our online enquiry form to arrange a free initial consultation.
Our closest office to Peterborough is our Cambridge office. We also offer virtual consultations if you’d prefer to speak with us from home.