Damages received following difficulty at birth

After a child suffered severe disabilities following complications during his birth, his mother, Ms C, looked to take action against the Trust at which he was delivered.

Expert evidence indicated there were delays by staff at the Trust in acting on the child’s reduced heart rate, which meant the baby wasn’t delivered as quickly as he should have been. Asa result, he suffered a lack of oxygen, which lead to brain damage.

In 2021, Ms C instructed Ally Taft, Head of Clinical Negligence at Medical Accident Group, to act for them in the case against the NHS Trust. With Ally’s assistance, expert advice was sought, which concluded that the child’s disabilities could have been avoided had there not been a delay during the birth. The trust argued that the care provided was appropriate and that the injuries were not as a result of negligence. However, they recognised the risks in the case and after a long-fought claim, offered a significant sum in compensation.

Following the case, Ms C said: “I just wanted to say thank you for everything. I’m still a bit overwhelmed and I don’t think it’s sunk in yet that the fight is over. That’s all thanks to you.”

Ally Taft said: “This was a difficult case with a difference in opinion between some of the best experts in the country. We managed to achieve a successful outcome – and one which will really be life-changing. The family are living in extremely difficult circumstances, in totally unsuitable accommodation and without any support. This settlement will provide this child and his mother with the support they need and financial stability for the future.”