Obstetric or Gynaecological Injuries

Obstetrics and Gynaecology is one of the most common areas of Medical Negligence in Ireland.

The majority of Medical Negligence claims relating to Obstetrics and Gynaecology are brought on behalf of a baby, but a small number arise because of injury to the mother during birth. Tragically, there are a small number of cases involving the death of the mother while giving birth.

Gynaecological claims

The most common type of gynaecological claims arise from complications associated with surgery. They include:

Incontinency following surgery.
Perforation of a uterus during the insertion of a contraceptive coil.
Failed sterilisation.
Damage during laparoscopic investigations or surgery.
Injury to bladder, bowel or uterus during hysterectomy.
Unnecessary caesarean hysterectomy.
Defective consent to medical procedures.
Infection resulting in loss of childbearing potential.

Making a claim

If you feel you have a legal claim relating to Obstetrics and Gynaecology, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or by filling out an Online Enquiry Form. A solicitor who specialises in Medical Negligence will contact you to advise you of your legal rights and entitlements.

When you consult Malcomson Law, we will give you free advice on medical negligence law. We will help you find out whether you have a good case, how to go about making a claim, and the potential value of your claim. This free consultation does not put you under an obligation. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further, you won't be charged for the initial advice.

Case Study: Unnecessary Hysterectomy

Anne is a 45-year-old woman whose womb was unnecessarily removed by her consultant obstetrician.

While pregnant at the age of 32, Anne had a scan which showed there was no foetal heart beat, and she underwent a Caesarean section.After this operation, she was told her life had been in danger, and the doctor had removed her womb. He'd told her she had lost a lot of blood, and the hysterectomy was required.

At the time, she did not suspect anything, as she had complete trust in her consultant obstetrician. But, later, that doctor was found guilty of professional misconduct and struck off the medical register by the Medical Council. He had unnecessarily removed the wombs of a number of his women patients.

Anne obtained her medical records which contradicted what the consultant obstetrician had told her. Her vital signs had been normal all the time and there was no loss of blood. In addition, a review of her pathology report had showed that her womb was perfectly normal.

The consequences of the unnecessary removal of her womb have been tragic for Anne. Not alone could she not have more children, as hoped for, but she's been on hormone replacement therapy since her early 30s. Anne's life has been turned upside-down by serious medical mismanagement.

She is entitled to receive fair and equitable compensation either through the Courts or by way of a Compensation Tribunal Scheme.