Birth Injuries

We Listen, We Care — And We’re Here to Help

You are not alone. If something went wrong during childbirth and you or your baby were injured as a result, we’re here to listen and help you move forward. We know how distressing it can be to face unanswered questions — especially when it affects your child’s future or your own long-term health. At CEL Solicitors, we specialise in sensitive, complex claims involving birth injuries. Our team takes the time to understand your story, and we’ll support you every step of the way. With a no-win, no-fee approach and a client-first mindset, we’re here to fight for the justice and support your family needs.

Start Claim

What Is a Birth Injury Claim?

A birth injury claim allows you to seek compensation if you or your baby were harmed due to mistakes or poor care during pregnancy, labour, or delivery. This might include delays in treatment, missed warning signs, or the incorrect use of medical equipment.

These injuries can have serious and lasting effects. Children may be left with conditions such as cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy. Mothers may also experience long-term physical or emotional complications.

If a medical professional failed in their duty of care and caused you or your child harm, you may have the right to make a claim. Compensation can help cover the cost of treatment, support services, loss of earnings and future care needs.

Time limits for making a claim are as follows:

For adults, a claim must usually be made within three years of the injury or from the date you first became aware of possible negligence.
For children, a claim can be brought at any point up until their 21st birthday.

It’s always best to seek advice as soon as possible. The earlier a claim is started, the easier it can be to gather the right evidence and build a strong case.

Start Claim

What Causes Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries can happen when something goes wrong before, during or shortly after delivery. In some cases, these injuries are caused by medical negligence — when healthcare professionals fail to provide safe and appropriate care.

Common causes of birth injuries include:

Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate or vital signs properly

Delayed decision-making around emergency interventions such as caesarean sections

Misuse of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors

Oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain during delivery

Mishandling the baby during birth, leading to broken bones or nerve damage

Failure to treat maternal infections or blood clotting disorders

Poor management of high-risk pregnancies

These errors can result in serious, lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy, as well as other physical or developmental complications.

Start Claim

How a Birth Injury Claim Can Help

Making a claim isn’t just about financial compensation. It’s about getting the support your family needs to move forward — whether that means access to medical care, home adjustments, or long-term planning for your child’s future. A successful birth injury claim can help with:

Care and Rehabilitation

Funds can support vital services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, and personal care that may not be fully provided by the NHS.

Loss of Earnings

If you or your partner have had to take time off work to care for your child or recover from injuries, a claim can help replace lost income.

Home and Mobility Support

You may be able to claim for adaptations to your home or vehicle, along with mobility aids and equipment to improve daily life.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation also reflects the physical and emotional impact the injury has on you, your child, and your family.

Our goal is to help you access the care and support you need now and for the future, so you can focus on your family’s wellbeing.

Start Claim

How to Make a Birth Injury Claim

Bringing a birth injury claim can feel daunting, but we’re here to make it as straightforward as possible.
Here’s what to expect:

Seek Medical Attention

Make sure your child and you receive all necessary medical care. Keep detailed records of diagnoses, treatments, and any ongoing health concerns.

Gather Evidence

Collect important documents such as medical records, birth reports, and any correspondence with healthcare providers. Witness statements may also support your case.

Speak to a Specialist Solicitor

At CEL Solicitors, our medical negligence team has extensive experience in birth injury claims. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your case and explain your options clearly.

Starting Your Claim

If you decide to proceed, we’ll help prepare and file all the necessary legal documents. We will carefully detail how the injury occurred and its impact on your family.

Negotiation and Settlement

Most claims settle out of court. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation from the healthcare provider or their insurers.

Court Proceedings

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll guide you through court proceedings. We will instruct experienced barristers to represent you and fight for your rights.

We’ve already helped thousands of people across the UK.

Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered.

What is classed as a birth injury?

A birth injury is any harm caused to a baby or mother during pregnancy, labour, or delivery. This can include physical injuries, brain damage, or complications from medical errors.

Do I need to make a formal complaint before making a claim?

No, a formal complaint is not required before filing a claim. However, if you have already complained, we will need to review the response. If you wish to make a complaint, follow the process outlined by the medical institution or consult NHS Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) if applicable.

How can I fund my medical negligence claim?

You can fund your claim through various methods: a no-win, no-fee agreement, private funding, or legal expenses insurance. We will discuss these options with you to find the most suitable method for your case.

How can I prove medical negligence?

To prove medical negligence, you need to show that the healthcare professional owed you a duty of care, failed in that duty, and that this failure caused you harm. You must also demonstrate that this harm led to physical injury, psychological trauma, or financial loss, such as lost earnings. Expert medical evidence is often required to support these claims.

What compensation will I receive?

Compensation in medical negligence cases generally includes general damages for the injury itself and special damages for financial losses such as lost earnings, additional medical costs, and care expenses. We will assess your losses and advise you on the potential compensation you may receive.

What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the expected standard of care, leading to harm. This can include incorrect or delayed diagnoses, inappropriate medication durations, or errors during medical procedures. If the care provided falls below the standard and results in worsening your condition or injury, it may constitute medical negligence.

What is the time limit to make a claim?

Generally, you must start your claim within three years of the incident or from when you discovered the injury. For children, the three-year period begins when they turn 18. If the affected person lacks the capacity to make decisions, the limit starts when they regain that capacity. Claims under the Human Rights Act must be made within one year. Acting quickly is advisable to ensure evidence and witness recollections are preserved.

Can I make a birth injury claim if the injury happened years ago?

There are time limits for making a claim. Usually, you must start within three years of the injury or from when you first became aware of the negligence. For injuries to children, claims can be made up until their 21st birthday.