Birth Fractures and Physical Trauma Claims

Most births proceed safely, but sometimes complications can lead to injury for a baby. Birth fractures and other physical trauma can have lasting impacts on both the child and their family. At Macks Solicitors, we provide specialist medical negligence advice and compassionate support to help families through these challenging and emotional times.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Are Birth Fractures and Physical Trauma?

Birth fractures are injuries to a baby’s bones that has happened during delivery. Physical trauma can also include soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, or other harm cause during labour or birth. These injuries can range from minor fractures that heal to more serious injuries that require ongoing treatment and support.

Common examples include:

• Clavicle (collarbone) fractures
• Limb fractures
• Skull fractures or head injuries
• Brachial plexus or nerve injuries
• Soft tissue injuries, such as bruising or swelling

While some injuries may be unavoidable, many are preventable with proper care and attention during delivery.

How Do Birth Fractures and Physical Trauma Happen?

Birth fractures and physical trauma can occur when complications arise during labour or delivery. In some cases, these injuries are unavoidable, but they may also result from substandard medical care. Contributing factors can include excessive force during delivery, improper use of assisted delivery instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors, delays in responding to complications, or failures to monitor the baby’s condition.

When appropriate care is provided, many of these injuries can be prevented or minimised. If you have concerns about how your baby’s delivery was managed, a medical negligence claim may help determine whether mistakes were made and whether the standard of care fell below what should reasonably have been expected.

Can I Make a Claim for Birth Fractures or Physical Trauma?

You may be able to make a claim if your baby suffered an injury due to substandard care during labour or delivery. This may include:

• Excessive force used during delivery
• Improper use of instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors
• Failure to monitor the baby during labour
• Delayed intervention during difficult delivery
• Inadequate postnatal assessment or treatment

Our specialist solicitors will carefully review medical records and seek independent expert advice to determine whether the standard of care fell below what should reasonably have been provided. Call us today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Can Compensation Cover?

Compensation cannot undo the harm caused, but it can help provide financial security and access to support for your child and family. Compensation may include:

• Medical care and ongoing treatment for the child
• Rehabilitation, therapy, or specialist equipment
• Pain, suffering, and emotional impact
• Loss of earnings or additional care costs for parents
• Long-term support for any lasting disabilities

The exact compensation will depend on the individual circumstances of the case.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

In most medical negligence cases, the standard time limit is three years from the date of the injury or from when it was first discovered.

• For children, the three-year limit does not begin until their 18th birthday, allowing claims to be brought before they turn 21.
• If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.

Early legal advice is strongly recommended to ensure evidence is preserved and your options are fully explained.

How Macks Solicitors Can Help

Our specialist medical negligence team will:

• Listen carefully to your concerns and provide clear guidance
• Investigate the circumstances surrounding the birth injury
• Obtain independent medical expert evidence
• Support families throughout every stage of the claims process

We handle each case with care, sensitivity, and professionalism, ensuring families receive the answers and support they need.

Contact us

For more information about making a birth fracture or physical trauma claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.