Patricia and Neil instructed Paul
McNeil in connection with the birth of their son, Gareth, on 26
April 1999.
Patricia became pregnant with Gareth in July 1998 and
attended a routine anomaly ultra sound scan in November 1998. The
scan was reported as normal and the pregnancy continued until
Gareth’s birth on 26 April 1999.
Immediately after birth the paediatricians noted that Gareth had
spina bifida, which had not been diagnosed ante-natally.
Gareth was immediately transferred to the Frenchay Hospital
where surgery for the closure of the myelomeningocele was carried
out on 27 April 1999. Gareth has continued to have significant
problems including paraplegia, incontinence of urine and faeces and
hydrocephalus.
We alleged the midwives and the ultra sonographers had been
negligent in failing to identify Gareth’s spina bifida prior to his
birth, particularly at the ultrasound scan in November 1998.
Proceedings were issued in April 2002. Shortly after this, the
defendants admitted negligence and the matter proceeded on the
basis of quantum of damages only.
After protracted negotiations, the matter was settled in
December 2003 in the sum of £750,000.
For further information or if you have a fetal medicine claim please call Paul McNeil on
020 7861 4019 or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your fetal medicine
claim with any member of our medical
negligence team on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.