Placental Abruption and Placenta Complication Claims

During pregnancy and labour, careful monitoring of the placenta is essential to protect the health of both mother and baby. When placental complications are not recognised or managed appropriately, the consequences can be life changing. Seeking legal advice can help families understand whether the care provided met the expected standards and whether earlier intervention could have made a difference.

At Macks Solicitors, we guide families through this process with compassion, professionalism, and clear advice at every stage.

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 Is Placental Abruption?

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the wall of the uterus before birth. This separation can disrupt the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients and may also lead to significant bleeding for the mother. Placental abruption is treated as a medical emergency and requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention.

What Are Placental Complications?

In addition to placental abruption, other placental complications can arise during pregnancy or labour, including:

• Placenta praevia
• Placenta accreta spectrum
• Retained placenta
• Placenta insufficiency
• Abnormal placental attachment or function

When these conditions are not identified, monitored or managed appropriately, they can place both mother and baby at risk.

When Can a Claim Be Made?

You may be able to make a claim if there are concerns that substandard medical care contributed to harm related to placental abruption or another placental complication. This may include:

• Failure to identify placental risk factors during pregnancy
• Delays in diagnosing placental abruption or bleeding
• Failure to monitor maternal or fetal wellbeing
• Delays in arranging emergency delivery
• Inadequate management of maternal bleeding
• Poor communication or escalation of concerns

Our specialist solicitors will carefully review medical records and obtain independent expert medical advice to assess whether the care provided fell below acceptable standards. Call our team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Injuries Can Result?

Placental complications can lead to serious outcomes, including:

• Hypoxic or hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Preterm birth and associated complications
• Stillbirth or neonatal death
• Significant maternal injury or haemorrhage
• Long-term developmental or health issues

We understand how deeply these outcomes can affect families and provide support throughout the process.

What Can Compensation Cover?

While no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused, it can help provide financial support and access to ongoing care. Compensation may include:

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or rehabilitation
• Specialist equipment or home adaptations
• Loss of earnings or future earning capacity
• Long-term care and support needs
• Funeral and related expenses in cases of loss

Each case is assessed individually to ensure all relevant losses are considered.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

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

• For children, this time limit usually 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.

Seeking advice as early as possible can help protect your legal position.

How Macks Solicitors Can Help

Our specialist medical negligence team will:

• Listen carefully to your concerns
• Investigate the circumstances surrounding the placental complication
• Obtain independent expert medical evidence
• Provide clear, compassionate guidance throughout the claims process

We are committed to helping families find answers and secure the 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