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Maternal Birth Injury Claims in Ireland

Maternal birth injury claims in Ireland can arise where a mother is harmed during pregnancy, labour or childbirth because her care fell below an acceptable standard.

Birth injury is often discussed in terms of harm to the baby, but mothers can also suffer serious and avoidable injuries during pregnancy and childbirth. Where a mother is harmed because her care fell below an acceptable standard, she may be able to bring a maternal birth injury claim. This page explains the kinds of injuries involved and when a claim may arise in Ireland.

Types of maternal birth injury

The injuries we are most often asked about include:

  • Severe perineal tears, including third and fourth degree tears, where the damage extends to the muscles or beyond
  • Postpartum haemorrhage, meaning significant blood loss after delivery
  • Uterine rupture, a rare but serious tearing of the womb during labour
  • Pre-eclampsia that was not diagnosed or managed in time
  • Infection following birth that was not identified and treated promptly
  • Psychological trauma arising from the events of the birth

When these injuries may amount to negligence

A claim arises where the injury was avoidable with proper care. Examples of the concerns that may give rise to a claim include a failure to recognise and manage a severe tear, a slow or inadequate response to heavy bleeding, a failure to identify the warning signs of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, or a delay in diagnosing an infection after delivery. The central question in each case is whether the care met the standard expected of a reasonably competent team.

How these claims are proven

The investigation relies on the antenatal and maternity records together with independent expert opinion on whether the injury should have been prevented, recognised earlier or managed differently. We gather this evidence and advise you honestly on the merits.

Compensation

Compensation reflects the severity of the injury, its physical and psychological impact, and any ongoing treatment, care or losses that result. Some maternal injuries have lasting consequences, and the claim is valued accordingly. Every case is assessed on its own facts.

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.

This page is part of our wider guide to birth injury claims in Ireland. You may also wish to read our birth injury case examples or birth injury FAQs.

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

Disclaimer
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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.

Talk to us

1800 246442

info@sweeneysolicitors.ie

Cork

15 South Terrace, Cork
Freephone: 1800 246442

Dublin

Ormond Building, 31-36 Ormond Quay, Dublin 7
Freephone: 1800 246442

Limerick

20 The Crescent, O’Connell Street, Limerick
Freephone: 1800 246442

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