A significant legal settlement has been reached in a medical negligence case resulting in severe birth injuries.
- The case involved a delayed delivery causing cerebral palsy and epilepsy in a newborn child.
- Gadsby Wicks law firm secured a favourable outcome for the affected family.
- The legal proceedings highlighted critical failings in midwifery care during the delivery process.
- This settlement provides vital financial support and a sense of justice to the affected family.
A specialist medical negligence firm has successfully resolved a complex case involving delayed delivery that resulted in a child being diagnosed with severe medical conditions. The legal proceedings centred around the tragic outcome of a prolonged second stage of labour, where the newborn was diagnosed with dystonic athetoid cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The firm representing the family, Gadsby Wicks, achieved a fair settlement, underscoring the importance of expert medical legal representation.
The delay in delivering the child was attributed to critical oversights by the midwives involved, as they failed to recognise the prolonged second stage of labour, lasting over three hours, without intervention from an obstetrician or the use of a CTG trace. Despite clear signs of distress, such as the newborn’s flat appearance and the umbilical cord positioning, immediate actions to expedite the delivery were not taken, leading to severe health consequences for the child.
Legal arguments focused on the failure of midwives to adequately monitor and respond to the foetal heart rate during labour. This oversight was compounded by the lack of diagnosing the second stage commencement and recognising its prolonged nature, which necessitated urgent obstetric review. Midwives’ attempts at manual rotation without proper support further complicated the labour, ultimately affecting the child’s condition.
The claim’s success hinged on establishing the breach of duty and demonstrating causation, despite initial denial from the Defendants. Prior to exchanging expert evidence, the defence agreed to settle at 85% of the claim’s full value, providing substantial financial relief for the family. Solicitor Alan Mendham commented on the outcome, highlighting the dedication to securing justice and financial security for families affected by such critical medical oversights.
The resolution of this case not only highlights the legal recourse available in situations of medical negligence but also the ongoing commitment of Gadsby Wicks to offer exemplary legal support. Their recent increase in case inquiries underlines the growing public awareness and demand for accountability in medical care.
This settlement reaffirms the crucial role of legal action in addressing medical negligence and securing justice for affected families.
