Pinderfields Hospital maternity negligence claims

If you suffered a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear at Pinderfields Hospital and did not receive the aftercare you should have, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim. Our specialist group action team is here to help.

GET IN TOUCH 0330 175 8740

Trustpilot
TOP-RANKED LEGAL EXPERTS CHAMBERS & LEGAL 500
NO WIN, NO FEE

Author

Christian Beadell

Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence

Reviewer

Francesca Paul

Partner, Group Action Lead

Last Updated

17th July 2026

Can I make a Pinderfields Hospital maternity claim?

A medical negligence claim can be made when the care you received fell below the standard you were entitled to – and you were harmed as a result. If you suffered a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear during childbirth at Pinderfields Hospital between 2020 and 2022, and were not referred for postnatal urogynaecological and physiotherapy follow-up, you could have a valid claim.

Our experts have seen an internal review by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which confirms that an audit of their maternity services identified 52 women who suffered 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears during childbirth between 2020 and 2022 and did not receive appropriate aftercare. Specifically, these women were not referred for the postnatal urogynaecological and physiotherapy follow-up they should have received.

This goes against national guidelines, which clearly state that patients must be reviewed in the postnatal period to discuss injuries suffered during childbirth. This is in order to minimise the impact. The Trust’s own audit found that at least 15% of patients who suffered tears during that period did not get the required referral.

If not managed appropriately, perineal tears can lead to significant complications. If you were not told that you would need further treatment or a referral after suffering a perineal tear during delivery, and your health has been affected as a result, we may be able to argue a medical negligence case. But even if you’re uncertain, our team can help. We will listen to your experience and explain your options.

Example of a Pinderfields Hospital maternity claim

Imagine a woman who suffers a 4th degree perineal tear during delivery at Pinderfields Hospital. Despite national guidelines requiring postnatal follow-up, she is not referred for the appropriate review. As a result, complications develop that could have been minimised with timely treatment. If the hospital failed to follow required national guidelines and that failure worsened her outcome, this could be a valid medical negligence claim.

Related claims we support

Expertise you can trust

9/10 clients would recommend us
8,500+ clients settled outcomes in last two years
400+ specialists in our Medical Negligence team

What compensation can help with

Addressing the impact of inadequate aftercare.

For women who didn’t receive appropriate follow-up after a significant perineal tear, the consequences can be lasting> Women can suffer complications like infection, separation, incontinence and painful intercourse. Compensation is designed to reflect the full impact of what happened to you, both now and in the future.

A successful claim may help fund:

The cost of specialist urogynaecological treatment and surgery you should have received
Physiotherapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation
Psychological support and counselling
Loss of earnings if your health has affected your ability to work
Ongoing care and treatment costs
Pain, suffering and loss of amenity arising from the complications you experienced

Understanding the potential value

We were able secure £3,800 in compensation for one of our clients, after she suffered substandard postpartum care at Pinderfields Hospital, which led to significant wound breakdown. This was a serious case which affected her mental wellbeing and bonding time with her baby. Her physical recovery was significant, and this had a ripple effect on family life. The value your case depends on the severity of the injury, the complications that resulted from the lack of aftercare, the treatment required, and the impact on your routines. As this is a group action, some elements of the investigation will be handled collectively, which can bring efficiencies for everyone involved. We will always work to secure an outcome that properly reflects what you have been through.

Understanding special and general damages

Compensation in a maternity negligence claim is typically made up of two parts – general damages and special damages. General damages cover the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injury, recognising the personal impact on your life. Special damages cover the financial losses you’ve incurred as a direct result, such as lost earnings, medical costs, and care expenses. Together, they’re designed to reflect the full picture of what you’ve been through.

Specialist maternity negligence solicitors

Our team specialises in group action and medical negligence claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your Pinderfields Hospital negligence claim?

We have both a specialist group actions team and dedicated birth injury department. This blend of skills means that we are able to manage complex maternity claims which are part of a wider pattern of systematic failures – and act on behalf of multiple families affected by the same issue. We have an infrastructure that some smaller firms do not have, so we can better support our clients and the wider claims process. We are always stronger together, fighting as a group. Claims involving group maternity negligence are complex and require a team with both the specialist legal knowledge and the infrastructure to handle them effectively.

Expertise you can rely on

Dedicated group action team with the infrastructure to support complex multi-claimant cases
Specialist medical negligence solicitors with experience handling maternity and birth injury claims
Ranked in the Legal 500 Directory as leaders in this field
Christian Beadell heads our group action team, with deep expertise in healthcare negligence cases
We act for clients across the UK who have been harmed in healthcare settings
We are always stronger together – group actions can bring efficiencies that benefit every claimant
Free case assessment with no obligation to proceed
No win, no fee, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We’re here to help you and your family through this

Taking legal action is not only about financial compensation. It is also a way of making sure that what happened to you does not happen to someone else. Group actions can be a powerful mechanism for driving change – and at Fletchers, that matters to us as much as the individual outcome for each person we support.

Suffering a serious injury during childbirth is traumatic enough. Finding out that the aftercare you needed – and were entitled to – was never arranged can bring a different kind of distress. Many women in this situation feel let down, confused about the care they received, and uncertain about what to do next.

The complications that can follow an unmanaged 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear are significant. They can affect your physical health, your relationships, and your ability to manage daily tasks. For some women, the impact is felt for years. It is natural to feel angry, or to simply want answers about why the right care was not put in place.

We have supported many people in Pinderfields Hospital. You are not in this alone, and we will work with you to help you understand your options.

People we’ve supported

1/3

VIEW ALL STORIES

FAQs about maternity negligence claims at Pinderfields Hospital

Who does this group action apply to?

This group action is being investigated on behalf of women who suffered a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear during childbirth at Pinderfields Hospital between 2020 and 2022, and who were not referred for postnatal urogynaecological and physiotherapy follow-up. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, contact us and we will assess your situation honestly and without obligation.

What is a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear?

Perineal tears are injuries to the area between the vagina and the anus that can occur during childbirth. 3rd and 4th degree tears are the most severe, involving damage to the anal sphincter and, in the most serious cases, the lining of the bowel. National guidelines require that women who sustain these injuries are referred for specialist postnatal follow-up to minimise the risk of long-term complications. (RCOG).

How long does a medical negligence claim take?

Medical negligence claims, particularly group actions, can take longer than individual personal injury claims. This is because they involve a more detailed investigation, collective evidence gathering, and negotiations with the defendant. We will keep you informed at every stage and make sure you understand what is happening and what comes next. We cannot give a precise timeframe at the outset, but we will be honest with you about what to expect.

What evidence will I need?

We will handle the evidence gathering on your behalf. This will typically include your maternity records, details of the care you received, and any medical evidence relating to the complications you have experienced. You do not need to have everything ready before you contact us – we will guide you through what is needed.

How is a group action different from an individual claim?

In a group action, a number of people with similar claims against the same defendant come together to pursue their cases collectively. This can bring efficiencies – some aspects of the investigation and legal process are handled as part of the wider group, which can benefit everyone involved. If needed, we will apply for a Group Litigation Order, which formally manages the claims together through the courts. Your individual circumstances and injuries will still be assessed separately when it comes to valuing your claim.

What support will I receive during my claim?

From your first contact with us, we will listen to what has happened, explain the process clearly, and make sure you feel informed and supported at every stage. Our group action team has the infrastructure and expertise to manage complex cases, and we will handle the legal process on your behalf so you can focus on your health and recovery. We will keep you updated throughout and make sure you always know what is happening with your case.

Is there a cost to making a claim?

We handle these claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means you will not have to pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. We will explain the funding arrangements clearly before you commit to anything, so you can make a confident and informed decision.

How can Fletchers Solicitors help if there has been medical negligence?

For those women who suffer perineal trauma who have not been offered the appropriate aftercare and treatment it could have detrimental effect to their health. There is an expectation that you will be informed by the hospital of any treatment or referral needed. Perineal tears can be associated with significant complications if not managed appropriately and this could equate to medical negligence.