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Stillbirth Compensation Claims
The loss of a baby through stillbirth is devastating. The grief is overwhelming and long lasting. Alongside that grief, there are often unanswered questions about whether more could have been done.
While not every stillbirth is preventable, there are circumstances where negligent medical care during pregnancy or labour may have contributed to the loss. If mistakes were made and appropriate care was not provided, you may be entitled to bring a stillbirth compensation claim.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we support families in Plymouth and across Devon and Cornwall. We understand that pursuing a legal claim is often about seeking answers, accountability and financial support during an incredibly painful time.
Our role is to provide clear advice and support while guiding you carefully through each stage.
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In some cases, yes. If warning signs were missed, concerns were not acted upon or treatment was delayed when action was required, this may amount to negligence. Each case requires careful medical investigation to determine whether the outcome could have been avoided.
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It is completely natural to question events after such a loss. An independent review of the medical records by specialist experts can help establish whether the care provided met accepted standards. We arrange this investigation on your behalf and explain the findings clearly.
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Yes. Many stillbirth compensation claims involve NHS Trusts and are handled through NHS Resolution. Bringing a claim does not affect your right to NHS care.
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In most cases, you have three years from the date of the stillbirth or from the date you first became aware that negligent care may have contributed to the loss.
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Compensation may include damages for pain and suffering, financial losses, counselling costs and funeral expenses. Every case is different, and we assess the value carefully based on the specific circumstances.
Get in touch with us to
talk about your situation
What is a stillbirth compensation claim?
A stillbirth compensation claim is a type of medical negligence claim. It arises where substandard care during pregnancy, labour or delivery contributed to the death of a baby before birth.
Examples of negligent care that may lead to a stillbirth claim include:
Failure to monitor fetal movements appropriately
Failure to respond to reduced fetal movements
Inadequate monitoring of the baby’s heart rate during labour
Failure to identify or treat maternal infection
Delays in performing an emergency Caesarean section
Failure to diagnose placental problems
Failure to manage pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes appropriately
Not every stillbirth is caused by negligence. However, where earlier intervention or appropriate monitoring would likely have prevented the outcome, a claim may be possible.
Compensation can reflect the pain and suffering experienced, as well as financial losses such as funeral expenses, lost earnings and counselling costs.
If you think this has happened to you, or you want to get in touch about the details of your situation, please contact our team of professional lawyers to see if you can make a claim.
Signs You May Have a Stillbirth Claim
A stillbirth is a devastating loss, and many families are left with questions about the care they received during pregnancy and labour. In some cases, concerns arise where earlier intervention, closer monitoring, or different decisions may have made a difference.
You may have a claim if:
You reported reduced movements that were not properly investigated
There were delays in acting on concerns during pregnancy
Test results or scans were not followed up
Signs of infection were missed or not treated
There were issues with monitoring your baby’s wellbeing
A decision to deliver your baby was delayed
Concerns raised during labour were not acted upon appropriately
It is not always clear straight away whether something has gone wrong. Many families begin to ask questions after reviewing their care or speaking with other professionals. Seeking advice can help provide answers and a clearer understanding of what happened.
Compensation in stillbirth claims is not about placing a value on your loss, but about recognising the impact of what has happened and addressing the financial and practical consequences where appropriate.
A claim may include:
Bereavement damages
Funeral and related expenses
Psychological impact and support needs
Financial losses where applicable
Each case is considered individually, taking into account the specific circumstances and the effect on you and your family.
A member of the team will explain what may be included in your claim and ensure that all relevant factors are fully considered.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive?
The first step is to have a confidential conversation with our medical negligence team. You can explain your circumstances and we will listen carefully before offering any advice. If there may be grounds to investigate further, we will obtain the medical records and ask independent obstetric experts to review the care you received to determine whether it met accepted standards.
We understand how difficult it can be to revisit what happened, so we move at a pace that feels manageable for you. If the evidence supports a claim, we will explain the next steps clearly, outline what compensation may cover and guide you through the process with sensitivity and care.
Throughout, our focus is on providing clarity, reducing uncertainty and ensuring you feel supported at every stage.
How do I make a Stillbirth compensation claim?
Time Limits for Making a Stillbirth Claim
In most cases, a claim must be brought within three years of the date of the stillbirth, or from when you first became aware that the care you received may have contributed to the outcome.
Time limits can vary depending on the circumstances and who is bringing the claim.
Although it can take time to feel ready to seek advice, speaking with a member of the team early can help preserve important evidence and provide clarity about your options.
Why choose Nash & Co Solicitors for a stillbirth claim?
Stillbirth claims require both legal expertise and genuine compassion.
Our medical negligence solicitors have experience handling complex obstetric cases and work with respected independent experts across England. We are based in Plymouth while regularly supporting families across Devon and Cornwall.
We understand how difficult it can be to revisit events surrounding the loss of a baby. Our role is to investigate carefully and professionally while treating you with sensitivity and respect at every stage.
We understand that no legal outcome can undo the loss of your baby. For many families, pursuing a claim is not about compensation. It is about understanding whether more could have been done, having your experience taken seriously and ensuring accountability where it is needed.
We take time to listen before we advise. You will not be rushed, and you will not be treated as just another case. We know that recounting what happened can be painful, so we move at a pace that feels manageable for you.
From the outset, we provide honest and realistic guidance. If there are grounds for a claim, we will explain this clearly. Our responsibility is to give you clarity, not false hope.
We focus on clear communication, careful handling of evidence and reducing additional stress wherever possible. Our aim is to seek answers and provide support while treating your family with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Our client-first approach
Additional Support
We understand that the loss of a baby through stillbirth is an intensely personal and painful experience. There is no right time to ask questions or consider next steps.
Our Medical Negligence team offers a free, no-obligation consultation where you can speak openly with a member of the team, in a way that feels comfortable for you.
We handle stillbirth claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no financial risk in exploring a claim.
If your claim is successful, we will ensure that everything is handled with care and respect, and we can also talk through any additional support that may be available.
When you feel ready, we are here to listen and help you take the next steps.
Stillbirth Compensation Claims FAQs
Below, we have addressed the most commonly asked questions about stillbirth claims and compensation.
If you have any other questions that aren't answered here, don't hesitate to contact us.
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Reduced fetal movements can be an important warning sign during pregnancy. Many parents look back and question whether their concerns were taken seriously enough. If you reported changes in movement and appropriate checks were not carried out, or reassurance was given without proper assessment, this may be relevant to a negligence investigation.
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In certain situations, continuous or regular monitoring during labour is essential, particularly where there are known risk factors. If monitoring was inadequate, misinterpreted or not acted upon appropriately, and this contributed to the outcome, it may form part of a claim. Each case depends on its specific medical evidence, and careful expert analysis is required to establish whether the standard of care was appropriate.
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Some infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth if they are not recognised and treated promptly. If symptoms were reported but not investigated properly, or if test results were not followed up in a timely way, this may be relevant. We work with specialist obstetric experts who can assess whether earlier diagnosis or treatment would likely have changed the outcome.
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Many medical negligence claims are resolved through negotiation rather than trial. We understand that the idea of court proceedings can feel daunting, particularly in such sensitive circumstances. If formal proceedings are required, we will guide you carefully through each stage and ensure you feel supported and fully informed throughout.
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Yes. Reasonable funeral expenses and certain related financial losses can be included as part of a compensation claim. While no financial award can reflect the depth of your loss, the law does recognise the practical and financial consequences that families may face.
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If the stillbirth has resulted in a recognised psychological injury, such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety, this can form part of the claim. Independent medical evidence would be obtained to assess the impact. We understand that the emotional consequences of stillbirth can be profound and long lasting.
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These claims require detailed investigation and independent expert evidence, which means they can take time. While this can feel frustrating, it is important that the case is assessed thoroughly and accurately. We will keep you updated at every stage and handle the process as efficiently and sensitively as possible.
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Bringing a claim will not affect your access to NHS care. Many families understandably worry about this, particularly if they are considering future pregnancies. Your right to treatment remains unchanged.
Get in Touch
As one of the top law firms in Plymouth, we make four promises to you that shape our everyday job to deliver exceptional client service and positive outcomes.
We are transparent about costs
We'll keep things simple and understandable
We'll always be straight with you and keep you informed
You'll get fast, efficient, and reliable service
Rest assured, whatever medical negligence issue you're facing, we'll do our best to help you.
Give us a ring or fill in our form below to speak to a member of our team today, and get the answers you need to make your claim.
If your enquiry is urgent then please call us on 01752 827085.