An Unimaginable Loss
The loss of a baby is unimaginable but to some, this tragically becomes a reality.
In 2021, 2,597 stillbirths were reported across England and Wales, together with 1,719 neonatal deaths. These staggering figures sadly continue to affect many families across England and Wales. Whilst some losses may be explicable, a large proportion are reported to be preventable, adding to the profound impact that families are forced to face.
In 2018 Sarah Grimes suffered severe abdominal pain and bleeding at 35 weeks gestation and required emergency care. Sarah’s daughter, Jessica Harland, sadly died at 1 hour 7 minutes old having suffered severe blood loss after the placenta separated from womb. A coroner found that the paramedics attending Jessica’s mother Sarah should have considered her presentation as time critical but instead took 25 minutes to assess her at home before a 24 minute transport to Hospital. Had the ambulance service acted quicker, Jessica would have had a chance of survival.
Many of our solicitors have dealt with baby loss cases and have seen first-hand the trauma that the loss of a baby can cause. This is why, for Baby Loss Awareness Week, together with our group firms Pryers Solicitors and Atherton Godfrey, we stand together to support bereaved families and individuals, and to commemorate the lives of babies who died during pregnancy, at birth or soon after, and in infancy.
If you believe the loss of your baby could have been prevented, please call us on 0800 138 0458.
