This Birth Trauma Awareness Week, our medical negligence team reflects on what it means to be recognised as a Trusted Legal Partner by the Birth Trauma Association (BTA).
In November, the Birth Trauma Association — the only UK charity dedicated solely to supporting women after a traumatic birth — set up a panel of six trusted law firms to help people navigate the often overwhelming process that follows a difficult or negligent birth. This might include making a complaint to a hospital, accessing medical records, finding specialist services, or understanding your rights at work. We’re proud to be included on that list. But more than anything, we’re grateful for the trust that people place in us during what is often one of the hardest times in their lives.
For us, being a trusted legal partner isn’t just about having the right expertise. It’s about being there with compassion, patience and clarity when our clients need it most. It’s about listening — really listening — to those who may have felt ignored or dismissed, and offering honest, straightforward advice on what’s possible and how we can help, including advising on whether there may be grounds to pursue legal action. It’s about walking alongside someone in their journey toward answers, justice, and healing. As the BTA states on its website:
We find that most traumatised parents are looking for a firm that will give honest information about their chances of success, will be sympathetic and understanding about the trauma they have been through and will provide a high-quality, professional service.
This mirrors our own ethos. At Russell-Cooke, we have over 35 years of experience supporting families affected by birth injury, including maternal harm and cerebral palsy. Where negligence has occurred, our medical negligence team works to secure early financial support to access vital therapies, care, or services — helping to ease some of the burdens that follow such life-altering events.
Consultant Bernadette McGhie, who leads many of our complex birth injury cases, explains:
The partnership with BTA is a natural alliance given the wealth of experience we have as a team acting for women and babies injured during the course of or around pregnancy and childbirth. We welcome the opportunity to use our expertise not only for our clients but also in promoting the call for safer childbirth in all areas of the country.
We are proud to be recognised not only for our professionalism but for our empathy. As one of our clients shared:
Thank you for all of your kindness, support, compassion and professionalism throughout the last four years and for getting to the point of being able to settle the case. I appreciate everything that you have done for me.
This message encapsulates what being a trusted legal partner means to us. It is not just about the outcome — though we have a proven record of achieving life-changing settlements — but about making the journey with our clients, and providing care and support at every stage.
Our team is accredited by the Law Society and AvMA for Clinical Negligence and by Lexcel for excellence in legal practice and client care. These recognitions reflect our commitment to providing outstanding service, but our real motivation remains the people we serve.
As we mark Birth Trauma Awareness Week, we stand with the BTA in calling for greater understanding, safer maternity care, and stronger support for those navigating the aftermath of traumatic births. We will continue to listen, advocate, and fight for those who need a voice.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our property litigation solicitors by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7525 or complete our enquiry form.
