If you have suffered a stillbirth and you believe that this was as a result of negligence on the part of a doctor, midwife or other healthcare practitioner, you are advised to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible.

If you ask us to represent you, we will start by taking details of the event and assess what has happened and who is responsible. We will put together evidence in support of your claim and contact the relevant health trust to advise them of the claim.

A medical negligence claim can also be initiated following, or in conjunction with, a Coroner’s inquest. The findings of the inquest will often inform the facts of the negligence case and can assist in establishing liability against a hospital or health care trust. If it is established that the stillbirth was the result of negligence the family will be entitled to be compensated for their loss.

Compensation in stillbirth claims is typically intended to cover various damages and losses you have suffered as a result of the stillbirth. Here are some common types of compensation you may receive:

• Medical Expenses

• Emotional Distress

• Funeral and Burial Expenses

• Lost Wages

• Pain and Suffering

• Loss of Consortium

• Counselling and Therapy

• Legal Fees

In a stillbirth claim, the compensation you may receive can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the case, the jurisdiction in which you file the claim, and the laws that apply.

If you speak to us about your case, we will be able to give you an initial idea of the range of compensation that is generally awarded for the type of negligence you have endured.

We know that funding a stillbirth compensation claim might be a worry, so we offer a range of options. These include:

• Legal Aid

• Legal expenses cover

• After the Event insurance (ATE insurance)

• Private payment

For an adult, there is a three-year time limit for bringing a medical negligence claim in the UK and a two-year time limit for the Republic of Ireland. This is known as the limitation period. It runs either from the date of the negligent incident or the date that you became aware of the injury you suffered.

In the case of a child, the three-year (UK) and two-year (ROI) time limit runs from the date of their 18th birthday.