Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) Claims: A Complete Guide to Birth Injury Compensation
Welcoming a new baby into the world should be a time of happiness — but when complications like Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) happen due to medical negligence, it can lead to serious consequences for your child and emotional and financial challenges for your family.
If your baby has suffered from MAS as a result of avoidable mistakes before, during, or after birth, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This guide explains what MAS is, how these claims work, what you may be able to claim for, and how we can support you through this difficult time.
What is a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) Claim?
A Meconium Aspiration Syndrome claim is a legal case made when a baby inhales meconium (a newborn’s first stool) into their lungs before or during birth — and this occurs or worsens due to medical errors, delays, or poor care.
Instead of being promptly detected and treated, medical staff might fail to:
- Recognise signs of foetal distress
- Monitor the baby’s heartbeat effectively
- Act quickly when meconium is present in the amniotic fluid
- Deliver the baby urgently to avoid complications
- Provide immediate and appropriate treatment after birth
If MAS isn’t managed properly, it can lead to serious breathing difficulties, long-term health problems, or even be life-threatening.
Examples of MAS claims include:
- A baby showing signs of distress during labour, with meconium-stained fluid noticed but no action taken, leading to MAS and respiratory problems
- Delayed emergency delivery despite clear indicators of foetal distress, resulting in the baby inhaling meconium into the lungs
- Inadequate resuscitation or neonatal care after birth, causing lasting health complications
How to Make a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim
We understand that pursuing a claim while caring for your newborn can feel daunting, but we’re here to make the process as supportive and straightforward as possible.
Step 1: Arrange a Free, Confidential Consultation
Reach out to our specialist team for a no-obligation, private conversation. We’ll listen to your experience, assess whether you might have a claim, and clearly explain your options.
Step 2: Gather Key Information
To build a strong case, we’ll need:
- Your maternity and hospital records
- Foetal monitoring and cardiotocography (CTG) traces
- Labour and delivery notes, including observations of meconium-stained fluid
- Neonatal unit notes and post-birth treatment records
- Details of ongoing health issues or complications
- Expert medical opinions about the standard of care received
- Evidence of financial losses (treatment expenses, care costs, lost earnings)
Your claim will be handled by an experienced birth injury solicitor with specialist knowledge of neonatal negligence cases.
What If the Hospital Denies Responsibility?
Hospitals and medical teams don’t always admit when something has gone wrong. If liability is denied, your solicitor can:
- Examine all hospital and maternity records
- Obtain independent medical opinions to identify breaches of duty
- Compare care provided against national guidelines (NICE, RCOG, etc.)
- Review signs of foetal distress and whether action was taken quickly enough
- Take legal action if necessary, including court proceedings
Strong, clear evidence and expert reports can be crucial in proving your case — and we’ll guide you through this process with sensitivity and care.
Who Can Make a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim?
You may be able to make a claim if your child suffered from MAS that was caused or worsened by:
- Failure to detect or act on signs of meconium-stained amniotic fluid
- Inadequate foetal monitoring or delayed recognition of distress
- Delayed or mismanaged delivery, such as not performing a caesarean when necessary
- Substandard resuscitation or neonatal care after birth
- Failures in following national medical guidelines and safety procedures
Claims can be made by:
- Parents or legal guardians on behalf of the injured baby
- Next of kin in the tragic event that a baby passes away due to complications related to MAS
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, our legal team can advise you with understanding and clarity.
What Can You Claim for in a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Case?
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your child’s condition, the impact on their life, and the support they’ll need. A successful claim can cover:
- Medical expenses: Specialist treatment, neonatal care, rehabilitation, ongoing therapy
- Future care costs: For long-term medical support, specialist equipment, and adaptations
- Loss of earnings: If you’ve needed to reduce hours or leave work to care for your child
- Pain and suffering: Physical trauma, emotional distress, and psychological effects on your family
- Travel expenses: Journeys to and from hospitals, clinics, or specialist appointments
- Future education and care needs: Special schooling, care provision, and support services
- Loss of dependency: If MAS sadly leads to the death of a child, family members may claim for financial and emotional losses
We’ll work closely with medical experts to ensure the full extent of your child’s needs and your family’s losses are accurately assessed and included in your claim.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — you can pursue a claim on behalf of your child if:
- They are under 18
- They are incapable of making legal decisions themselves due to injury-related disabilities
- The claim is for a baby who sadly passed away due to MAS-related complications
We can explain your rights, what’s involved, and how we can sensitively handle the claim on your behalf.
How Long Does a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim Take?
The time required to settle a claim depends on:
- Whether the hospital accepts liability
- The complexity of the medical evidence
- The severity of your child’s condition and the long-term prognosis
- Whether there are disputes about the level of compensation
Some straightforward cases settle within a year, while more complex claims — particularly those involving life-changing injuries or long-term care needs — can take longer. We’ll keep you fully informed at every stage, working at a pace that suits your family.
Are MAS Claims More Complex Than Other Birth Injury Cases?
Often, yes — especially because they can involve:
- Multiple failures in antenatal, labour, and neonatal care
- Complicated medical evidence, including CTG trace analysis and neonatal records
- Long-term health, breathing, or neurological consequences
- Future care, educational, and lifestyle needs assessments
- Emotional trauma for the whole family
That’s why it’s so important to work with a solicitor experienced in birth injury and neonatal negligence claims.
We’re Here to Support You
When a birth injury turns a moment of joy into worry and hardship, you deserve answers, support, and justice. You don’t have to face this situation alone.
Our experienced solicitors are here to:
- Guide you through every step of the claim process
- Help you access the expert medical care and financial support you need
- Fight for maximum compensation for your child’s future care, security, and quality of life
- Listen, support, and act in your best interests at every stage
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards justice, security, and peace of mind for your family.