Birth Injury Claims in Ireland: Your Rights and How We Can Help
The birth of a child should be a joyful occasion, but for some families in Ireland, it can be overshadowed by trauma when medical errors lead to a birth injury. A birth injury is any harm caused to a baby or mother during pregnancy, labour, or delivery due to substandard medical care. These injuries can have lifelong consequences, affecting not only the child but the entire family.
If your baby or you have suffered a birth injury because of medical negligence, you may be entitled to bring a legal claim for compensation. Our specialist medical negligence team is here to guide you through this complex and emotional process.
What is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury can occur when medical professionals fail in their duty of care before, during, or after delivery. This may include errors in monitoring the baby’s heartbeat, failing to act quickly in cases of distress, improper use of forceps or vacuum delivery, or delays in performing a necessary caesarean section.
Birth injuries can vary from minor, temporary harm to severe, life-altering conditions requiring lifelong care.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Some of the most serious birth injuries we see in medical negligence cases include:
- Cerebral palsy – often linked to oxygen deprivation during delivery, leading to brain damage and long-term disability.
- Erb’s palsy / Brachial plexus injury – damage to nerves controlling the arm and shoulder, potentially causing weakness or paralysis.
- Fractures – such as a broken collarbone due to improper handling during delivery.
- Facial nerve damage – typically caused by incorrect use of instruments like forceps.
- Maternal injuries – such as severe tearing, bladder or bowel damage, or untreated infections.
How Do I Know If I Have a Birth Injury Claim?
Not all birth injuries result from negligence. Sometimes complications arise despite the best medical care. However, if errors were made that no competent professional would have made – and these caused harm – you may have a case.
Examples include:
- Failure to monitor or respond to signs of fetal distress.
- Delayed decision-making in emergency situations.
- Incorrect use of medical equipment during delivery.
Our experienced solicitors will assess your case, review medical records, and work with independent medical experts to determine whether negligence occurred.
What Can Compensation Cover?
Birth injury compensation is intended to support your child’s and family’s future needs. A claim can help cover:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Special care, aids, and equipment
- Home adaptations
- Ongoing therapy and support
- Loss of earnings (where relevant)
- Pain and suffering
How We Can Help
We understand that bringing a claim is not just about compensation – it’s about securing the best possible future for your child. We will:
- Provide clear, compassionate advice.
- Handle your claim with sensitivity and professionalism.
- Work on a no-win, no-fee basis where appropriate.
- Keep you informed every step of the way.
Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your family.
Contact Us Today
If you are concerned that a birth injury was caused by medical negligence, contact our dedicated medical negligence team today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
📞 1800 246 442
📧 info@sweeneysolicitors.ie
