Lawyers use the term “wrongful birth” when a child is born with an abnormality which should have been identified and if the parents had known it would have been likely to result in them choosing to terminate the pregnancy.
Mothers undergo screening during the course of their pregnancy in order to detect whether the baby has an abnormality. However, sometimes errors occur. Occasionally, tests are not carried out or results are misinterpreted.
Wrongful birth claims can also arise where the baby is perfectly healthy but has been born to a mother who has undergone sterilisation or been fitted with a contraceptive implant which has failed to prevent pregnancy due to a medical error.
The financial consequences of these mistakes can be devastating and when it can be shown that the medical professionals were at fault, compensation can be claimed for the losses arising.
To discuss a wrongful birth claim with a medical negligence lawyer in confidence and free of charge, call our helpline on
0800 037 8020
or email
oliver.thorne@sleeblackwell.co.uk