Stillbirth & Neonatal Death

Stillbirth and neonatal death claims arise when medical negligence during pregnancy, labour, or delivery contributes to the death of a baby. These are among the most devastating cases in clinical negligence and require sensitive, specialist handling.

Common causes include failure to monitor fetal growth (missing intrauterine growth restriction), failure to act on reduced fetal movements, missed signs of placental abruption, failure to induce labour when indicated, delayed emergency caesarean section in the presence of fetal distress, and neonatal infections that were not identified or treated promptly.

The MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries) reports provide national data on perinatal deaths and identify avoidable factors. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) investigations into stillbirths can provide critical evidence.

Compensation in stillbirth and neonatal death claims includes a statutory bereavement award (currently £15,120), funeral costs, the mother's pain and suffering related to the death, psychiatric injury to parents (PTSD, depression), and any physical injuries to the mother from negligent delivery. Total claims typically range from £50,000 to £250,000. The limitation period is 3 years from the date of death or date of knowledge.