We took an obstetrics
negligence claim on Faye's behalf following the still birth of
her baby in 1996. The case was settled for £40,000.
Faye had had a long history of pelvic inflammatory disease
and had irreparable blockage of the oviducts (the passage way from
the ovaries to the uterus).
She was trying for a baby for many years without success so she
decided to undergo IVF therapy (in vitro fertilisation). On the
third IVF attempt Faye fell pregnant in February 1996. She was
referred to the Kingston Hospital for her pregnancy care.
On 25 September 1996 when she was 8 months pregnant and
ultrasound scan revealed that her baby's growth had slowed.
The radiologist referred Faye to the consultant who said that
there was no problem with the baby and that a repeat ultrasound
would not be necessary.
Faye felt that the baby's movements had
decreased and attended her GP on 29 October 1996 (3 days
before the due date). Her GP was unable to detect the fetal heart
rate so he referred her to Kingston Hospital.
The hospital confirmed that Faye's baby had
died. Labour was induced and gave birth to a stillborn baby girl
later that day.
We were instructed to pursue an obstetrics negligence claim on Faye's
behalf.
Expert obstetric evidence confirmed that
following the ultrasound findings of 25 September 1996 various
investigations should have been undertaken including a repeat
ultrasound, CTG monitoring and an assessment of placental
function.
These tests would have showed that Faye's
baby had stopped growing as she wasn't getting sufficient nutrients
through the placenta.
Faye would have underwent an emergency
Caesarean section and Faye would have given birth to a premature
but otherwise healthy baby girl.
Faye suffered depression following the still
birth of her baby girl. We issued proceedings in February
1999. Following negotiations a settlement of £40,000 was
agreed following an offer from Kingston Hospital.
The Trust’s chief executive and the
consultant both sent a letter to Faye expressing regret and
sorrow for the hospital failures which had resulted in the
death of her baby. Faye found these letters helpful in coming
to terms with her feelings towards the hospital.
For further information or if you would like
to discuss an obstetrics
negligence compensation claim call
Paul McNeil on 020 7861
4019 or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss an obstetrics negligence
claim with any member of our medical negligence team by calling
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.