"My wife died in childbirth a few weeks ago. It was totally unexpected. She went to all the antenatal classes and we did everything right. It was her first pregnancy. She was in labour for about 12 hours.

The baby's heartbeat started to go weak. Then the doctor began to look nervous and told us that it was going to be a section. My wife was in a state. So was I. They began opening up drips on her.

She went into theatre. She came out dead. They say it was something to do with blood clots. The baby is fine but - what do I say. I am a wreck.

What should I do now. I feel they haven't told me the whole story. I am angry. Should I sue them. "

*************************************

Comment:

We are deeply disturbed to hear about this death, and share your suffering.

The MJB rarely advises anyone to sue, because we are not usually in a position to assess all the facts.

1. You should set up a meeting ASAP with the doctor who performed the section.
2. Whilst that meeting may be an informal meeting you should let it be known that you will be taking notes of what is said.
3. Normally we advise that two people accompany you so they can take turns at note taking.
4. You should formally and in writing request a true copy of all medical records relating to the death. If you have a lawyer involved, s/he would probably do this for you.
5. The notes will need to be reviewed by an expert in the speciality of obstetrics and perhaps another doctor who deals with medicolegal matters.
6. Whether you sue depends on the advice given to you by a lawyer, hopefully having followed some of the above steps.
7. If you decide to sue you are claiming damages or loss. That is usually decided by a court and if you win, you will normally be awarded compensation.
8. Sueing is not easy business, and it could be quite costly. The burden is on you (with the help of a good lawyer) to prove that some civil wrong has been caused by the negligent actions of a doctor or some other responsible authority. [This is a bare summary here - and it is not possible to go into the intricacies of relevant law here].