Yes. Maternity negligence claims are not limited to visible physical injuries to a baby. Claims may arise where negligent care caused psychological harm, unnecessary trauma, avoidable complications, or the loss of a pregnancy. This includes cases involving stillbirth, neonatal death, severe maternal injury, or long-term mental health consequences such as PTSD following poor maternity care.

Claims can be brought by:

• A mother who suffered harm due to negligent pregnancy, birth, or postnatal care
• A child injured due to negligent maternity care (through a “litigation friend”)
• Parents bringing a claim following stillbirth or neonatal death
• A partner or family member (in limited circumstances where they have suffered a recognised psychiatric injury)

Each situation is assessed individually, depending on how the negligence affected those involved.

Evidence usually includes maternity records, monitoring charts, scan results, postnatal notes, and internal hospital documentation. Independent medical experts are instructed to review whether care met acceptable standards and whether different actions could have prevented harm.

Families are not expected to gather this evidence themselves – our solicitors obtain and analyse it as part of the investigation.

Compensation reflects both the injury itself and its wider, long-term impact. Awards typically include:

• General damages for pain, suffering, psychological trauma, and loss of quality of life
• Special damages for financial losses such as care costs, therapy, specialist equipment, accommodation needs, lost earnings, and future support

In cases involving children with lifelong needs, compensation is structured to provide security and ongoing care throughout adulthood.

Most maternity negligence claims are resolved without a court trial. However, court proceedings may be necessary where responsibility is denied or complex issues are disputed. If this happens, your legal team will guide you through each stage and support you throughout the process.