Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Mother Compensated for Birth Injury Caused by Clinical Negligence
6th July 2011
In a recent case, our specialist clinical negligence lawyers recovered compensation for a woman who required a hysterectomy due to errors with her care after giving birth.
Hospital Negligence
Our client attended hospital to give birth to her child. Attempts at a natural delivery were unsuccessful so she underwent a caesarean section and was sent home a few days later, even though she had a raised pulse and low blood pressure.
She had to be re-admitted later the same week, as her abdomen was very painful and distended and she felt unwell. It was found that our client’s womb was ruptured during the birth and the doctors failed to notice the hole and repair it after her baby was delivered.
Because of the delay in treating the problem, septicaemia and a haematoma developed. Our client therefore had to have a hysterectomy, taking away her chances of having more children. She was in a coma for several days and also required treatment for fluid accumulated on her lungs. She spent time in an intensive care unit and was in hospital for almost a month altogether.
After returning home our client continued to experience pain, weakness and fatigue. She required a lot of assistance with personal care and the care of her children during the initial part of her recovery and she continues to suffer some ongoing symptoms, which prevent her from working in her previous capacity. She has also been left with significant scarring.
NHS Compensation Claim
The claimant felt that she experienced unnecessary pain and suffering because of the hospital’s mistake and she appointed our lawyers to pursue a clinical negligence claim on her behalf. If the hole in her womb was repaired at the time of the caesarean section, the hysterectomy would most likely not have been necessary and she would not have developed such serious complications.
We put forward our case to the NHS Trust and they admitted liability. They made an initial offer of damages, however in light of the long-term health problems faced by our client we did not feel this was sufficient. We obtained an expert medical report and entered into negotiations with the Trust, who eventually agreed to increase their offer. Our client received £95,000 compensation.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim
If you or a member of your family has suffered a personal injury due to medical negligence, you may be in a position to claim compensation.
Our lawyers have a wealth of experience in recovering compensation for the victims of surgical errors, medical misdiagnosis, birth injury and all other areas of clinical negligence, so we can provide you with the best possible advice. Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.
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