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Birth Injury Case Examples

Every birth injury case is different, but the examples below illustrate the kinds of matters our medical negligence team has advised on. They are anonymised, do not refer to any identifiable client and are provided for general information only. They are not a prediction or guarantee of the outcome of any case.

Delayed caesarean section leading to a baby being deprived of oxygen

We advised a family where there was a delay in performing an emergency caesarean section despite clear signs of foetal distress on monitoring. The baby was born in a compromised condition and required immediate medical intervention. The case involved a detailed review of CTG traces and expert evidence on the timing of delivery, and the central issue was whether the delay fell below an acceptable standard of care. Read more about negligent or delayed caesarean section claims.

Failure to respond to abnormal CTG monitoring

In this case a mother experienced prolonged labour during which abnormalities appeared on the baby’s heart rate monitoring. Despite these warning signs, care was not escalated in a timely manner. The case focused on whether earlier intervention would have prevented injury and whether proper monitoring protocols were followed. Read more about oxygen deprivation and cerebral palsy claims.

Shoulder dystocia resulting in a brachial plexus injury

We acted in a case where a baby suffered a brachial plexus injury following a shoulder dystocia during delivery. Concerns arose about how the delivery was managed and whether appropriate techniques were used. The case involved expert evidence on obstetric practice and the management of shoulder dystocia. Read more about Erb’s palsy and brachial plexus claims.

Incorrect use of forceps during delivery

A client contacted us following a forceps-assisted delivery that resulted in injury to both mother and baby. The case raised questions about whether forceps were appropriate in the circumstances and whether excessive force was used. Expert review was required to assess whether a caesarean section should have been performed instead. Read more about forceps and vacuum delivery injury claims.

Failure to diagnose pre-eclampsia

We advised a client where symptoms of pre-eclampsia were not identified during pregnancy. The condition later developed into a serious complication requiring emergency intervention. The case involved reviewing the antenatal records and assessing whether earlier diagnosis and treatment would have altered the outcome. Read more about maternal birth injury claims.

Postpartum haemorrhage not managed appropriately

A mother suffered significant blood loss following delivery. Concerns arose about the speed and adequacy of the medical response. The case examined whether proper protocols were followed in managing the postpartum haemorrhage and whether earlier intervention was required.

Uterine rupture during labour

We advised in a case involving a uterine rupture during labour, a rare but serious complication. The key issue was whether the risk factors had been properly identified and whether labour was managed appropriately. This case required detailed expert input on obstetric decision-making and monitoring.

Failure to act on reduced foetal movements

A client reported reduced foetal movements in the days leading up to delivery. Concerns arose about whether appropriate assessments and monitoring were carried out. The case involved reviewing whether opportunities to intervene earlier were missed.

Severe perineal tear due to poor delivery management

A mother suffered a severe perineal tear during childbirth. The case focused on whether the delivery was managed appropriately and whether preventative steps should have been taken. Expert evidence was required to assess the standard of care.

Delayed diagnosis of infection following birth

We advised a client where signs of infection following childbirth were not identified promptly. The delay in diagnosis led to complications requiring further treatment. The case examined whether appropriate postnatal care and follow-up procedures were carried out.

Talk to us

To discuss your situation in confidence, call free on 1800 246442, email info@sweeneysolicitors.ie or book a video consultation. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation. We have offices in Cork, Dublin and Limerick and advise clients nationwide.

You may also wish to read our main guide to birth injury claims in Ireland or our birth injury FAQs.

Reviewed by David Sweeney, Solicitor, Sweeney Solicitors. Last reviewed June 2026

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Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

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