£325,000 damages in Erb’s Palsy case against Luton and Dunstable Hospital
Ali's mother went into labour and was admitted to Luton & Dunstable Hospital. There were concerns about the baby’s heart rate on the CTG trace. It was decided to expedite delivery. A failed attempt was made at a forceps delivery. A ventouse delivery was carried out, according to the medical records, with “moderate pulls”
Ali was born with an Erb’s palsy and Horner’s syndrome. This resulted in a permanently damaged arm: his left arm was 8cms shorter than the right arm and the range of motion in left shoulder, elbow and wrist was significantly reduced.
It was alleged that the defendant failed to take appropriate steps to dislodge the claimant’s impacted shoulder and that excessive force was used to deliver him. It was the claimant’s case that he would have been delivered unharmed with appropriate care.
A claim was issued in the High Court and a trial date fixed.
The hospital fully defended the claim and denied liability until very close to trial. After a meeting between the obstetric experts on both sides, Sam Critchley pressed the hospital authority for an admission. A formal admission of negligence was made just days before a settlement meeting took place.
Following negotiations the matter settled and the court approved the £325,000 settlement.
After the case, Samantha said:
"I am thrilled to secure another high award of damages in an Erb's Palsy claim. I am also pleased for my client that the litigation is finally over and he can now harness the funds to live independently and maximise his potential. We were delighted that the hospital did formally accept responsibility for my client’s injuries; it is just a shame that the case was defended so close to trial."
Contact us
For further information about Erb's palsy negligence claims and clinical negligence claims, please call Samantha Critchley on 03304606812 or email samantha.critchley@fieldfisher.com.
Alternatively
- You can speak to our medical negligence lawyers on freephone 0800 358 3848
- email us: personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
- Complete the short online enquiry form
All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee.