Neonatal Care Injuries

The first days and weeks of life, the neonatal period, are among the most critical for a newborn’s health. At this stage, close monitoring and timely intervention are essential. When mistakes occur in neonatal care, the consequences can be life-changing for a child and devastating for their family.

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When newborn care goes wrong, the impact can last a lifetime

What is neonatal negligence?

Neonatal negligence arises when accepted standards of medical care are not met in the period immediately after birth. This may include failures to monitor vital signs, delays in recognising distress, or errors in administering essential treatments. Even small lapses during this sensitive time can worsen existing injuries or cause new, avoidable harm.

Type of injuries that may arise

Some of the most common and serious injuries linked to neonatal negligence include:

– Brain injury caused by untreated seizures, oxygen deprivation, or untreated infection.

– Cerebral palsy resulting from prolonged lack of oxygen or untreated complications at or shortly after delivery.

– Intraventricular haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), particularly in premature infants, which can be worsened if not recognised and treated quickly.

– Infections such as meningitis or sepsis, where early signs may be missed or treatment delayed.

– Long-term developmental problems, including learning difficulties, mobility issues, or sensory impairments, arising from failures in neonatal care.

Proving a case

For a birth injury claim to succeed, it must be shown that negligence occurred and that this negligence caused or contributed to the child’s injury. This is a complex process involving careful review of maternity and neonatal records, supported by independent expert medical opinion.

How we help families

At Cian O’Carroll Solicitors, we work with leading medical specialists (often UK-based experts in neonatal medicine, neurology and paediatrics) to establish the facts of each case. Where proceedings are taken, the child is assessed by appropriate experts to determine both current needs and likely future care requirements.

These cases are never straightforward, but with our experience and expertise, we guide families through each step with clarity and compassion. Our role is to secure answers, accountability, and the resources that children and their families need for the future.

RECENT CASES

Learn more about our cases and how we have worked with our clients to achieve life changing results in terms of damages, provision of care and accountability.