At P.A Duffy & Co Solicitors, we represent mothers and babies in pregnancy negligence claims across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our personal injury team are experienced, understanding and sympathetic and will work tirelessly on your behalf to secure the compensation you are owed for what has happened.

We deal with a full range of pregnancy negligence cases, including:

Misdiagnosed Miscarriages

A common form of medical negligence in this area is when ectopic pregnancies are misdiagnosed as miscarriages. An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the wombs, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes. This can lead to vaginal bleeding and stomach pain. If the problem is left untreated it can also cause the Fallopian tube to burst. It is therefore vital that a ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are times when an ectopic surgery is misdiagnosed as a miscarriage. This can lead to the misdiagnosed patient having to undergo unnecessary surgery and can result in serious health issues.

Sterilisation Claims

Sterilisation claims arise when someone has underwent a procedure to avoid conceiving and have subsequently conceived. There are, of course, natural explanations for this happening and a doctor will undoubtedly explain the risks of this prior to surgery. Nonetheless, there are examples of this happening as a result of medical negligence. This may have been as a result of a mistake during the surgery or in the post operative care of the patient. Unexpected conception can cause significant financial burden to families. If you believe you have been treated negligently, we may be able to make a claim for compensation on your behalf.

Preeclampsia Claims

Preeclampsia is a condition which is caused by a defect in the placenta. It is present in some women and should be identified early by an obstetrician by checking a patient’s blood or urine tests. The patient should then be closely monitored throughout the pregnancy. Failure to diagnose or properly treat preeclampsia can cause serious injury to both mother and baby and in some cases can be fatal.

Gestational Diabetes Claims

This is another common pregnancy complication which can be easily diagnosed by monitoring a patient’s blood or urine tests and checking for high levels of protein or glucose in particular. If gestational diabetes is identified and properly treated from an early stage in the pregnancy patient should not experience any serious adverse effects. However, if an obstetrician does not properly diagnose and treat the condition it can lead to injury for both baby and mother and can lead to still birth in some cases.

Ectopic Pregnancy Claims

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes. If an egg gets stuck in the fallopian tube it won’t develop into a baby and the mother could be at risk. It is vital to diagnose and treat an ectopic pregnancy as soon as possible. Common treatments for ectopic pregnancies include the use of medication to stop the pregnancy and surgery to remove the fertilised egg and fallopian tube.

Failure or delay in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy can result in rupture of the fallopian tube which will require urgent surgery and can be life threatening. Your GP and treating doctors should take steps to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, this will include asking the patient about their symptoms or referral to a specialist. If the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed and treated early there should be no serious adverse effects for the mother.