The client was referred to hospital for antenatal care for her first pregnancy. She was admitted to the hospital for an induction, at which point there were signs of fetal distress, but there were delays in delivery. She eventually delivered with the aid of forceps after an attempt to deliver by ventouse failed. Her son was born in poor condition and required special ventilation in intensive care for two days. Brain scans confirmed damage caused by the lack of oxygen, which had caused him to be suffering from quadriplegic cerebral palsy with global development delay.
A claim was brought for the delay in delivery, and following commissioning independent expert evidence which criticised the standard of care, the hospital admitted that her son should have been delivered earlier and that the brain injury would have been avoided if the negligent delay in delivery had not occurred. The child is now unable to walk, stand unaided, or sit unsupported. He has significant speech and communication problems and will require life-long care, therapy, equipment, and accommodation.
Whilst an interim payment was obtained to pay for care and equipment; the complete medical negligence claim was settled and the client received compensation.