Mother wins payout of at least £14.6m for birth injury

Posted: April 1, 2015

Posted in: Birth Injury Head and Brain Injuries Medical Negligence 

A mother is to receive at least £14.6million in compensation after her son suffered severe brain damage when he was starved of oxygen during birth. Now 12-years-old, James Robshaw suffers with severe cerebral palsy and will require around the clock care for the rest of his life. The High Court ruled today (1 April) that United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust must payout at least £14.6million in compensation for the birth injuries.

It was heard in court that hospital staff failed to carry out a Caesarean section on Suzanne Adams or then properly monitor her during labour. Believed to be one of the largest medical negligence awards for birth injury, the compensation is a reflection of the care that James will require for the remainder of his life.

Midwives failed to interpret the CTG rate correctly

James is completely unable to walk, speak, dress or feed himself. Despite this, his intellect has remained fairly complete and he is able to communicate through advanced eye-gaze equipment. He will depend on care for the rest of his life and will never be able to carry out day-to-day tasks for himself.

It was heard that during labour midwives failed to interpret the CTG rate, which detects foetal heart rate, correctly. James had an abnormal heart rate and was clearly in distress due to his prolonged labour and lack of oxygen.

Pauleen Pratt, acting chief nurse at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The Trust and the NHS Litigation Authority are deeply sorry for what happened and for the impact this has had upon James and his family.”

If you have been affected by medical negligence, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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