A lack of midwives and obstetricians has been highlighted as one of the reasons why there has been a reported increase in medical negligence claims against maternity units throughout the country.
Leo Varadkar, The Minister for Health told the Dail that 117 claims in 2010 rose to 130 in 2014. He could not give a break down as to which hospitals were involved. The claims range from injury caused to the mothers during childbirth to catastrophic damage to babies during delivery and the amount of compensation for these cases will include money to care for the children for the rest of their lives.
Read more about medical negligence and view some case studies.
Ireland has the highest birth rate between 2004 -2013, but the third lowest number of consultant obstetricians per 100,000 women among 34 OECD countries.
Rise in Claims Against Gynaecologists
Claims against A & E Departments and claims against gynaecologists also rose according to The Minister.
Legal Advice for Medical Negligence Claims
There is a 2 year statute of limitations for starting medical negligence cases so anyone concerned should take legal advice as soon as possible so that the necessary preparatory work can be done.
If you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, call our medical negligence solicitors on 01 531 3494.
