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Negligence in antenatal prenatal care

If you or your child have suffered an injury following pregnancy, labour, or delivery, and you suspect the injury was caused by a failure to provide you or your child with adequate antenatal care, you or your child may be entitled to compensation.

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Industry Experts

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Experts in Medical Negligence

Pregnancy is often an exciting time for couples wishing to have a family. Usually, soon after confirmation of pregnancy, women are referred for antenatal care. These days women are fortunate to have a choice of a few different modes of antenatal care. Women may choose to have their antenatal care at the antenatal clinic of their local public hospital, where they are usually also booked for labour and delivery. Others may choose to have shared antenatal care provided by their GP and their local public hospital’s antenatal clinic. Some women choose to be under the care of a specialist obstetrician for antenatal care and labour with and delivery of their child at either a private or a public hospital. Regardless of a woman’s choice of antenatal care, all women deserve to receive the same level of antenatal care to ensure an uneventful pregnancy and safe delivery of a healthy child. 

 

Receiving adequate antenatal care is very important as abnormalities and complications could develop during pregnancy, affecting the pregnancy’s viability and progress and the baby’s development. Timely appropriate intervention is imperative to the health of the mother and the preservation of the baby’s life. If abnormalities that develop during the antenatal period are not diagnosed and treated, they could result in adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. Sometimes, pregnancy is not allowed to progress, and the baby is delivered via a Caesarean section to prevent severe complications and injury to the mother and child.

 

Some common abnormalities or complications that could develop during the antenatal period include gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, placental insufficiency, placenta praevia, infection and macrosomia (a baby larger than average). Many of those conditions require treatment and close monitoring of the pregnancy, the baby’s development, and well-being so that action, such as delivery, can be taken as soon as it becomes necessary. Sadly, this does not always occur, and some babies are born with serious injuries due to a failure to provide their mothers with reasonable antenatal care.

 

Mothers could also sustain obstetric and gynaecological injuries if those antenatal conditions persist and the mother progresses to natural labour and delivery. Complicated labour and delivery can potentially result in profound and permanent injuries to the baby, including brain injury and Erb’s palsy.

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Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

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Angie & B.
00:58 18 Sep 24
We cannot recommend Garling and Co. Lawyers highly enough! Our principal solicitor, Matthew Garling, was absolutely outstanding throughout our entire legal journey. He, along with the fantastic team... in the office, especially Allison, provided outstanding support. They were always responsive, willing to listen, and took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we achieved a brilliant outcome.read more
Yanthi S.
11:22 12 Sep 24
I engaged with Garling and Co to assist me for my weekly payment dispute with the insurance. I was upset with Natasha, as she didn't prepare me to the worse outcome or told me about the kind of... negotiation in the hearing. I assumed that as a Lawyer she should have an experience with the process or the way to solve the case. Even though I asked her what should I do or what would be happened in the hearing a week before but she didn't mentioned anything, and told me not do anything. But in the hearing she and the Barrister only gave me less than 5 minutes to make decision and pushed me to accept the disappointed outcome and what she said in the hearing totally different with what she said earlier. I don't trust her at all, her words is not consistent.I would like to express my appreciation to Matthew Garling who had stepped in to handle my weekly payment issue with the insurance. He is very professional, knowledgeable, easy to talk to and very humble. My disappointment earlier has melted away by his kindness and caring to resolve my issue which has came out the great outcome. Now I am satisfied with his expertise therefore I would not hesitate to let him to handle the case I might have in the future.As I said before I would not hesitate to let my other claim to be handled by a professional as Matthew Garling. I would like to thank him for his time and effort to settle my case smoothly and I trusted him to give me the best outcome. Also I appreciated his support and his patience to answer my questions from the time I signed the agreement up to the day before the mediation. He did not promise the unrealistic outcome but what ever he promised that what the result was according to his experiences. And I would not forget to Alison, Nathan who also have assisted this matters, by gathering all documents and answering my questions.Also my appreciation to a Barrister Mr Dallas Morgan.So, in summary I am really grateful to have Garling and Co as my lawyer to handle my damaged claim.read more
Tina S
07:45 29 Aug 24
Thank you for the great outcome!
Lisa L.
05:18 13 Jul 24
Outstanding service and commitment to my case was delivered from the first point of contact right until the end of my successful case.Highest recommendations to the team at Garling and Co. Matthew... got me an excellent result and was available and informative throughout the entire foreign process of legal proceedings. He was wonderful and so was his team.If i could rate higher than 5 stars i would!read more
J B
07:12 02 Jul 24
Matthew Garling and all of the team were extremely professional and supportive throughout what was a very long and arduous CTP battle. I am happy with the result and feel that their fees were fair... and well deserved.read more
Nelson B.
02:11 30 Jun 24
Professional, prompt & honest service
Brad M.
02:19 28 Jun 24
I worked with Garling & Co for 3+ years, the team has been incredible and I could not have been happier with Kerry's support and the results produced!I highly recommend choosing them as your... representatives!!read more
Ray H.
07:33 13 Jun 24
Matthew Garling and Team are kind, patient, polite, professional, empathetic and efficient. I was treated terribly by the at fault insurer. Garling and Co. had my back. Matthew gently and patiently... kept me up to speed on all the steps to go through. From my personal experience I recommend these guys. They are safe hands. Thank you team.read more
Jo L.
05:58 07 May 24
So very impressed with the professional team who looked after me throughout the last 4 and 1/2 years. A special mention to Kerry and Nathan who navigated each request to fight for my right to gain... access to further treatments and physio and to ensure medical treatment would be covered moving forward. I was so grateful I could hand it all over to you and not have to go through this very challenging time without your support.I thank you for the compassion you have provided to me, from the first contact with Matthew and Natasha, to finalisation with Kerry and Nathan.I highly recommend the team at Garling and Co for any third party compensation claims. You are in good hands with them all.read more
Linda O.
21:53 06 May 24
Emma, Rebecca and the team at Garling and Co have worked diligently throughout my workers compensation claim. The level of professionalism, support and communication has been faultless. Of particular... note has been the sensitivity displayed to me throughout the lengthy process. Worker’s compensation claims are complex and not easy to navigate, particularly when you are unwell. I do not hesitate to recommend Garling and Co to help you find a way through this otherwise unfathomable system.read more

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of antenatal care should an expectant mother receive?

The mode of antenatal care is a matter of maternal choice and preference. In some rural areas, the mode of antenatal care depends on the availability of medical services and resources in those areas. Women may choose to have their antenatal care at the antenatal clinic or midwifery clinic of their local public hospital or to have antenatal care provided by their GP and their local public hospital’s antenatal clinic. Some women choose to be under the care of a specialist obstetrician for antenatal care. Adequate antenatal care includes monitoring of the mother’s wellbeing and development of the baby at regular intervals. Antenatal appointments usually become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses or if the woman develops complications during the pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor should regularly weigh you, measure your blood pressure and take measurements of the growth of your uterus. Usually, ultrasounds are also performed at various stages of the pregnancy including a morphology scan. Other tests may also be required depending on the progress of your pregnancy and your age.

2. What does negligence in antenatal prenatal care refer to?

Negligence during the antenatal period refers to a failure to diagnose and treat certain conditions that some women develop during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes and hypertension or pre-eclampsia. Negligence during the antenatal period also includes a failure to appreciate signs or observations that render a pregnancy a ‘high risk’ pregnancy and increase the risk of complications developing during labour and delivery. In some instances, natural delivery is not a safe option for the mother or child and a Caesarean section delivery is required to prevent severe complications and injury to the mother and child.

3. What are some examples of negligence in antenatal prenatal care?

Some examples of negligence during the antenatal period include circumstances giving rise to injury to mother or child as a result of allowing the pregnancy to progress to natural labour and delivery in circumstances where a Caesarean section delivery is clinically warranted. Examples include an undetected and untreated infection that travels through the placenta to the baby and placental insufficiency where the baby is not receiving adequate blood supply and nutrients needed to continue to thrive and survive. Another example is a baby that is larger than average, and the size of the baby increases the risk of complications and injury to mother and child during labour and delivery. Usually, the mother is given the option of a Caesarean section to prevent complications and injury at birth.

4. How can negligence in antenatal prenatal care harm the mother and baby?

Many of the abnormalities or conditions that develop during pregnancy require treatment and close monitoring of the pregnancy, the baby’s development and well-being so that action, such as delivery, can be taken as soon as it becomes necessary. If those conditions are not detected and left untreated, it could result in life-threatening complications and increase the risk of injury to, and death of, both mother and child. A woman could sustain serious obstetric and gynaecological injuries, which can be life-long. A child could also sustain profound and permanent injuries including premature birth, under-development, brain injury and Erb’s palsy.

5. What are the signs that medical negligence may have occurred during antenatal prenatal care?

It may be difficult to identify the signs that indicate that medical negligence may have occurred during the antenatal period. This information is sometimes provided to the family after labour and delivery if they, or their child, sustained a birth injury. This does not always occur. If you suspect that negligence in the provision of your antenatal care contributed to your injury or your child’s injury, contacting an experienced solicitor is essential as your solicitor will obtain a copy of the relevant medical records and explore all aspects of the care that was provided to you and your child. Your solicitor might be the first person to discover ‘signs’ of negligence.

6. How do I know if I have a valid claim for negligence in antenatal prenatal care?

If you or your child suffered an injury while giving birth and you suspect that the injury occurred as a result of a failure to provide you with adequate antenatal care, it is wise to seek legal advice from an experienced solicitor. Your solicitor will explore the level of care that was provided to you during your pregnancy and will provide you with advice on the viability of your claim.

7. Is there a time limit for filing a negligence claim in antenatal prenatal care?

Ordinarily, you must commence formal legal proceedings within three years of the time at which the alleged negligence occurred. This is subject to the time that you discovered, or ought to have discovered, that you or your child have sustained an injury, the injury is the fault of a heathcare provider, and the injury is worth suing over.

More Faqs
Angie & B.
00:58 18 Sep 24
We cannot recommend Garling and Co. Lawyers highly enough! Our principal solicitor, Matthew Garling, was absolutely outstanding throughout our entire legal journey. He, along with the fantastic team... in the office, especially Allison, provided outstanding support. They were always responsive, willing to listen, and took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we achieved a brilliant outcome.read more
Yanthi S.
11:22 12 Sep 24
I engaged with Garling and Co to assist me for my weekly payment dispute with the insurance. I was upset with Natasha, as she didn't prepare me to the worse outcome or told me about the kind of... negotiation in the hearing. I assumed that as a Lawyer she should have an experience with the process or the way to solve the case. Even though I asked her what should I do or what would be happened in the hearing a week before but she didn't mentioned anything, and told me not do anything. But in the hearing she and the Barrister only gave me less than 5 minutes to make decision and pushed me to accept the disappointed outcome and what she said in the hearing totally different with what she said earlier. I don't trust her at all, her words is not consistent.I would like to express my appreciation to Matthew Garling who had stepped in to handle my weekly payment issue with the insurance. He is very professional, knowledgeable, easy to talk to and very humble. My disappointment earlier has melted away by his kindness and caring to resolve my issue which has came out the great outcome. Now I am satisfied with his expertise therefore I would not hesitate to let him to handle the case I might have in the future.As I said before I would not hesitate to let my other claim to be handled by a professional as Matthew Garling. I would like to thank him for his time and effort to settle my case smoothly and I trusted him to give me the best outcome. Also I appreciated his support and his patience to answer my questions from the time I signed the agreement up to the day before the mediation. He did not promise the unrealistic outcome but what ever he promised that what the result was according to his experiences. And I would not forget to Alison, Nathan who also have assisted this matters, by gathering all documents and answering my questions.Also my appreciation to a Barrister Mr Dallas Morgan.So, in summary I am really grateful to have Garling and Co as my lawyer to handle my damaged claim.read more
Tina S
07:45 29 Aug 24
Thank you for the great outcome!
Lisa L.
05:18 13 Jul 24
Outstanding service and commitment to my case was delivered from the first point of contact right until the end of my successful case.Highest recommendations to the team at Garling and Co. Matthew... got me an excellent result and was available and informative throughout the entire foreign process of legal proceedings. He was wonderful and so was his team.If i could rate higher than 5 stars i would!read more
J B
07:12 02 Jul 24
Matthew Garling and all of the team were extremely professional and supportive throughout what was a very long and arduous CTP battle. I am happy with the result and feel that their fees were fair... and well deserved.read more
Nelson B.
02:11 30 Jun 24
Professional, prompt & honest service
Brad M.
02:19 28 Jun 24
I worked with Garling & Co for 3+ years, the team has been incredible and I could not have been happier with Kerry's support and the results produced!I highly recommend choosing them as your... representatives!!read more
Ray H.
07:33 13 Jun 24
Matthew Garling and Team are kind, patient, polite, professional, empathetic and efficient. I was treated terribly by the at fault insurer. Garling and Co. had my back. Matthew gently and patiently... kept me up to speed on all the steps to go through. From my personal experience I recommend these guys. They are safe hands. Thank you team.read more
Jo L.
05:58 07 May 24
So very impressed with the professional team who looked after me throughout the last 4 and 1/2 years. A special mention to Kerry and Nathan who navigated each request to fight for my right to gain... access to further treatments and physio and to ensure medical treatment would be covered moving forward. I was so grateful I could hand it all over to you and not have to go through this very challenging time without your support.I thank you for the compassion you have provided to me, from the first contact with Matthew and Natasha, to finalisation with Kerry and Nathan.I highly recommend the team at Garling and Co for any third party compensation claims. You are in good hands with them all.read more
Linda O.
21:53 06 May 24
Emma, Rebecca and the team at Garling and Co have worked diligently throughout my workers compensation claim. The level of professionalism, support and communication has been faultless. Of particular... note has been the sensitivity displayed to me throughout the lengthy process. Worker’s compensation claims are complex and not easy to navigate, particularly when you are unwell. I do not hesitate to recommend Garling and Co to help you find a way through this otherwise unfathomable system.read more

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No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

Maximum Compensation

Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

Angie & B.
00:58 18 Sep 24
We cannot recommend Garling and Co. Lawyers highly enough! Our principal solicitor, Matthew Garling, was absolutely outstanding throughout our entire legal journey. He, along with the fantastic team... in the office, especially Allison, provided outstanding support. They were always responsive, willing to listen, and took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we achieved a brilliant outcome.read more
Yanthi S.
11:22 12 Sep 24
I engaged with Garling and Co to assist me for my weekly payment dispute with the insurance. I was upset with Natasha, as she didn't prepare me to the worse outcome or told me about the kind of... negotiation in the hearing. I assumed that as a Lawyer she should have an experience with the process or the way to solve the case. Even though I asked her what should I do or what would be happened in the hearing a week before but she didn't mentioned anything, and told me not do anything. But in the hearing she and the Barrister only gave me less than 5 minutes to make decision and pushed me to accept the disappointed outcome and what she said in the hearing totally different with what she said earlier. I don't trust her at all, her words is not consistent.I would like to express my appreciation to Matthew Garling who had stepped in to handle my weekly payment issue with the insurance. He is very professional, knowledgeable, easy to talk to and very humble. My disappointment earlier has melted away by his kindness and caring to resolve my issue which has came out the great outcome. Now I am satisfied with his expertise therefore I would not hesitate to let him to handle the case I might have in the future.As I said before I would not hesitate to let my other claim to be handled by a professional as Matthew Garling. I would like to thank him for his time and effort to settle my case smoothly and I trusted him to give me the best outcome. Also I appreciated his support and his patience to answer my questions from the time I signed the agreement up to the day before the mediation. He did not promise the unrealistic outcome but what ever he promised that what the result was according to his experiences. And I would not forget to Alison, Nathan who also have assisted this matters, by gathering all documents and answering my questions.Also my appreciation to a Barrister Mr Dallas Morgan.So, in summary I am really grateful to have Garling and Co as my lawyer to handle my damaged claim.read more
Tina S
07:45 29 Aug 24
Thank you for the great outcome!
Lisa L.
05:18 13 Jul 24
Outstanding service and commitment to my case was delivered from the first point of contact right until the end of my successful case.Highest recommendations to the team at Garling and Co. Matthew... got me an excellent result and was available and informative throughout the entire foreign process of legal proceedings. He was wonderful and so was his team.If i could rate higher than 5 stars i would!read more
J B
07:12 02 Jul 24
Matthew Garling and all of the team were extremely professional and supportive throughout what was a very long and arduous CTP battle. I am happy with the result and feel that their fees were fair... and well deserved.read more
Nelson B.
02:11 30 Jun 24
Professional, prompt & honest service
Brad M.
02:19 28 Jun 24
I worked with Garling & Co for 3+ years, the team has been incredible and I could not have been happier with Kerry's support and the results produced!I highly recommend choosing them as your... representatives!!read more
Ray H.
07:33 13 Jun 24
Matthew Garling and Team are kind, patient, polite, professional, empathetic and efficient. I was treated terribly by the at fault insurer. Garling and Co. had my back. Matthew gently and patiently... kept me up to speed on all the steps to go through. From my personal experience I recommend these guys. They are safe hands. Thank you team.read more
Jo L.
05:58 07 May 24
So very impressed with the professional team who looked after me throughout the last 4 and 1/2 years. A special mention to Kerry and Nathan who navigated each request to fight for my right to gain... access to further treatments and physio and to ensure medical treatment would be covered moving forward. I was so grateful I could hand it all over to you and not have to go through this very challenging time without your support.I thank you for the compassion you have provided to me, from the first contact with Matthew and Natasha, to finalisation with Kerry and Nathan.I highly recommend the team at Garling and Co for any third party compensation claims. You are in good hands with them all.read more
Linda O.
21:53 06 May 24
Emma, Rebecca and the team at Garling and Co have worked diligently throughout my workers compensation claim. The level of professionalism, support and communication has been faultless. Of particular... note has been the sensitivity displayed to me throughout the lengthy process. Worker’s compensation claims are complex and not easy to navigate, particularly when you are unwell. I do not hesitate to recommend Garling and Co to help you find a way through this otherwise unfathomable system.read more
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University of Technology, Sydney
Member of Law Society of New South Wales
Law Society of NSW Specialist Accreditation
University of Sydney
Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales
The law society of nsw professional standards scheme logo.
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