17 January 2025

The case:

Our client was pregnant with her first child and was admitted to hospital for induction of labour. The following day there was spontaneous rupture of membranes. She was transferred to the delivery suite in the early hours of the following day and an epidural was sited.

Pushing was commenced 4 hours later but after 1.5 hours she was unable to deliver vaginally. An epidural assessment was completed, and it was noted there was full movement of knees and feet. There were then multiple failed attempts at delivery with ventouse, which were abandoned, so our client consented to an emergency caesarean section. There were then three top-ups of epidural, all of which failed, and a decision was made not to convert to general anaesthetic. The caesarean proceeded with our client in significant distress and pain throughout before the baby was delivered almost 4 hours later.

How we helped:

There were inconsistencies in the anaesthetic records which caused confusion as to whether the appropriate levels of epidural top-up were administered. She suffered significant intra-surgical pain and developed PTSD as a result of the traumatic birth requiring treatment.

The defendant made partial admissions that the failures caused discomfort and pain which warranted additional management and made a Part 36 offer of £5,000.

We obtained further evidence and after negotiations with the defendant, our client accepted an improved offer of £35,000 compensation.

Our client advised provided feedback on the conclusion of her medical negligence claim:

“Just to say the biggest THANK YOU for the job done with my medical negligence claim. I would not have enough words to say thank you.  Very helpful and I would recommend you to all my family and friends! 5* from my side.
And thank you to all at True solicitors you are just amazing company!”

If you have suffered a birth injury and have suffered in similar circumstances, you can reach out to us on 0344 854 7000.