Having a baby is a joyful moment. Becoming a mother is one of the most amazing journeys’ in life but when you receive below standard of care treatment things can go very wrong. You may think it is part of birth experience, but you will be surprised by the amount of emerging claims indicating negligence by hospitals, doctors and nurses.
KEY TAKE OUTS:
- We believe all women deserve the right care when it comes to child birth.
- The damage done to a woman during childbirth can be permanent and psychologically damaging.
- We have experience assisting women who have suffered birth related injuries – we know these types of claims require empathy and compassion.
Bringing a claim can be a daunting experience but what if your injuries are having a significant impact on your quality of life. What if you cannot make it to the bathroom because of your urinary and faecal incontinence, or your now unable to participate in sports because of the bladder dysfunction and nerve damage or you have a severe prolapse/tear that has caused you to have to stop working. All because of someone else’s negligence.
Having a baby is a natural thing and most go without a hitch but it is unbelievable that in this day and age we still have birth injury cases arising from the lack of level of care that is considered to be within the Australian standards. Claims are on the rise as more and more women question the process and what is consent, what is informed consent and what steps could have been taken that would have resulted in a better outcome.
The damage done to a woman can be permanent and psychologically damaging. Many women need to have psychological counselling, are unable to look after the child and it affects all facets of their lives. They say it can be paralysing and isolating.
No two cases are ever the same and each case requires careful investigation and the correct experts. We believe women deserve compensated for the issues caused by these injuries and that women need to be better informed as to what is acceptable practice and what is not.
I have acted for women suffering birth related injuries and know that these types of claims require empathy and understanding as many women can be embarrassed by the symptoms. Ensuring you get the right advice by a lawyer that specialises in the area is key to getting a favourable outcome.
ABOUT KARENA NICHOLLS:
Karena is a partner at Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers and heads up the injury compensation and employment law teams. She is passionate and dedicated to helping her clients understand their rights and obligations and advising them on the best course of action to achieve their desired outcomes. It is her practical and client-orientated approach which has attributed to her authentic reputation positioning her as a highly regarded compensation and employment lawyer.
For further information please don’t hesitate to contact:
Karena Nicholls
Partner
karena@couttslegal.com.au
1300 268 887
This blog is merely general and non specific information on the subject matter and is not and should not be considered or relied on as legal advice. Coutts is not responsible for any cost, expense, loss or liability whatsoever in relation to this blog, including all or any reliance on this blog or use or application of this blog by you.
