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Specialist claims
Sodium Valproate Pregnancy Injury Claims
Claims involving sodium valproate in pregnancy can raise questions about prescribing, information about material risks, medication reviews and safer alternatives. The legal and medical evidence is highly individual.
SRA regulated solicitorsConfidential initial enquiryEvidence-led assessment
Quick check
Could this apply to you?
1
Material pregnancy risks not explained
2
Treatment not reviewed when pregnancy was planned or possible
3
Relevant safety measures or specialist review not arranged
Last updated 9 October 2026
Understanding the claim
When might a claim be investigated?
A poor outcome alone does not prove negligence. The investigation considers what a reasonably competent healthcare professional should have done and whether any failure made a material difference to the outcome.
Material pregnancy risks not explained
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Treatment not reviewed when pregnancy was planned or possible
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Relevant safety measures or specialist review not arranged
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Alternatives not discussed where appropriate
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Communication failures between treating teams
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Possible injury requiring specialist assessment of causation
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Prescribing and informed decisions
Sodium valproate can be prescribed for conditions including epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It should not be stopped without appropriate medical advice. A legal review may consider the information and options discussed at the relevant time.
Reviews and communication
The circumstances can involve primary care, specialist services, pharmacy and maternity care. Records may show whether treatment was reviewed and whether important information was communicated between teams and to the patient.
Assessing causation and the child’s needs
Specialist evidence may be required to address whether any failure caused injury and to understand the child’s condition, prognosis, care, education and support needs.
Evidence
What evidence may help?
Relevant evidence depends on the circumstances. Common sources include:
01
GP, neurology, psychiatry, maternity and paediatric records
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
02
Prescription history and medication reviews
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
03
Records of risk discussions and specialist advice
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
04
Independent expert evidence on prescribing, consent and causation
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
Useful next steps
Guidance related to sodium valproate pregnancy injury
Sodium valproate pregnancy guide
Read about prescribing, risk information, reviews and evidence.
Medical negligence time limits
Understand why treatment and knowledge dates matter.
Check your circumstances
Start a confidential initial enquiry for yourself or a child.
The process
What happens after an initial enquiry
- 01
Initial enquiry
Tell us what happened, when the treatment took place and how you were affected.
- 02
Early assessment
The key facts, limitation position and whether further investigation may be appropriate are considered.
- 03
Records & evidence
Relevant medical records, chronology and evidence of any financial losses may be obtained.
- 04
Expert review
Appropriate independent experts may address breach of duty, causation, condition and prognosis.
- 05
Claim & negotiation
Where the evidence supports a claim, the relevant defendant can be notified and liability or settlement discussed.
- 06
Resolution
The matter may conclude by agreement or, where necessary, through the court process.
Compensation
What can compensation take into account?
There is no reliable generic calculator for medical negligence. Where liability is established, compensation can reflect the individual injury and financial consequences supported by evidence.
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Care and assistance
- Rehabilitation and treatment
- Equipment, travel or accommodation needs
- Other reasonable losses caused by the injury
Start an enquiry
Tell us what happened.
Questions answered
Sodium Valproate Pregnancy Injury FAQs
Should sodium valproate be stopped immediately?
Do not change prescribed medication without speaking to an appropriate healthcare professional. This page provides legal information, not medical advice.
Does taking sodium valproate during pregnancy automatically mean negligence?
No. The assessment depends on the clinical circumstances, advice provided, available alternatives at the time and evidence of causation.
Can a claim be made on behalf of a child?
Potentially. A suitable litigation friend can often bring a claim for a child, and different limitation rules apply.
What if the treatment was many years ago?
Limitation and historic standards require individual assessment. Seek advice promptly rather than assuming a claim is in or out of time.
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