Oversight Causes Oxygen Starvation During Birth

Background

Baby D’s mother was admitted to hospital in labour the day before a planned induction of labour. Prostin was given to help increase contractions, and CTG monitoring was carried out. Active pushing commenced at 04:00 and Baby D was born at 04:40.

On delivery, Baby D was flat and required intubation. At two days of age, he had seizures. He has since been diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. An MRI has shown a pattern of brain damage consistent with a period of oxygen starvation around the time of birth.

This led to a birth injury claim, pursued on the basis that by 03:35 the CTG trace was significantly abnormal, which was not recognised. If it had been recognised, Baby D would have been delivered by 04:00 at the latest. Had he been delivered at any time before 04:25, it is probable he would have suffered no brain damage at all.

Settlement

The Defendant admitted both breach of duty and causation in the Letter of Response. Proceedings for a medical negligence claim were issued and judgment was entered for damages to be assessed. The claim was settled before a quantum trial for £3,750,000.

This case was led by Tony Mitty.

NOTE: While our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including effects on life expectancy, the severity of the negligence that took place, and the financial impact.