What Is a ‘Wrongful Life’ Claim in Massachusetts?
Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is proud to serve Boston and communities across Massachusetts with trusted, compassionate advocacy for injury victims and their families. Among the many types of claims we handle, few are as complex or sensitive as those involving wrongful birth or wrongful life. These cases raise difficult questions about medical negligence, parental rights, and the value of life itself.
While not as common as car accidents or slip and fall cases, wrongful life claims occasionally arise in Massachusetts and deserve careful explanation.
Defining Wrongful Life
A wrongful life claim is a lawsuit brought on behalf of a child who was born with severe disabilities or medical conditions due to alleged negligence by a healthcare provider. The claim argues that negligent medical advice or treatment prevented the parents from making an informed decision about whether to conceive or carry the pregnancy to term.
Wrongful life is distinct from wrongful birth, which is a claim brought by the parents themselves for the same underlying conduct.
Massachusetts Law on Wrongful Life Claims
Massachusetts courts have historically been cautious about wrongful life claims. While the state recognizes wrongful birth actions brought by parents, Massachusetts does not recognize wrongful life claims filed by the child. Courts have generally ruled that it is impossible to measure damages by comparing life with disabilities to nonexistence.
However, parents may still pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses associated with the child’s care
- Emotional distress caused by the unexpected outcome
- Loss of consortium or impact on family relationships
This distinction underscores the importance of legal guidance when navigating these claims.
Examples of Wrongful Birth Cases
Though wrongful life is not recognized in Massachusetts, wrongful birth cases have been allowed where medical professionals failed to:
- Properly diagnose genetic conditions during pregnancy
- Conduct or interpret prenatal testing correctly
- Warn parents about significant risks during conception or gestation
- Provide accurate advice about fertility treatments
In these situations, parents argue they were deprived of the ability to make informed decisions.
Why These Cases Are So Complex
Wrongful birth and wrongful life cases are among the most ethically and emotionally challenging in personal injury law. They often involve:
- Sensitive family dynamics
- Medical testimony on genetic conditions and life expectancy
- Significant financial damages for long-term care
Because Massachusetts law limits recovery to parents rather than children, careful legal strategy is required to maximize available compensation.
Confused about wrongful birth or wrongful life claims? Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston today for your free consultation.
Damages in Wrongful Birth Cases
Parents who prevail in a wrongful birth action may recover compensation for:
- Extraordinary medical expenses related to the child’s condition
- Costs of long-term or specialized care
- Emotional distress and psychological impact
- Loss of enjoyment of life as it relates to the burden of medical negligence
These damages help families secure the resources needed to care for their child while holding negligent providers accountable.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Medical providers and insurers often fight wrongful birth cases vigorously, arguing that damages are speculative or that parents cannot recover for the “existence of life.” Without experienced counsel, families may struggle to pursue justice.
At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of combined experience in medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases across Massachusetts. Our attorneys handle sensitive cases with compassion, professionalism, and dedication to our clients’ best interests.
You don’t have to face this process alone. Let Sweeney Merrigan fight for your family’s rights.
Taking the Next Step
If you believe you may have a claim for wrongful birth due to negligent medical advice or testing, it is important to act quickly. Massachusetts has strict statutes of limitations for medical malpractice cases, and delays can jeopardize your rights.
No matter where you are in your journey, the right legal team can help you move forward with confidence. Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation — and take your next step toward justice and accountability.
