Sophie was born at the Ipswich General Hospital on 24 April
2001 when her parents were on holiday in Suffolk. She was born at
29 weeks gestation and was transferred to the Lister Hospital, in
Stevenage on 27 April.
On 30 April, in the late afternoon, Sophie collapsed and
suffered permanent brain damage. The collapse led to a condition
known as PVL, infantile spasms and subsequently autism.
Sadly, Sophie suffers from severe communication and behavioural
difficulties in addition to severe learning disabilities. She also
has mild spastic hemiplegia.
Sophie will never work and will require constant care and
supervision throughout her life.
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The issue in the case was the cause of the collapse on 30 April.
We established that this was due to an over-infusion of dextrose
solution and a subsequent failing to maintain Sophie’s levels of
sodium and allowing her to become severely hyperglycaemic.
Initially liability was admitted by the Trust. However, when the
parties were investigating quantum of damages the hospital reneged
on its admission and it was necessary to issue proceedings and to
ask the court to determine the cause of Sophie’s injuries.
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The case was fixed for trial for 12 December 2006. The
defendants, on the basis of independent expert evidence, asserted
that Sophie's autism could not have been caused by the negligent
over infusion of dextrose. They argued that her brain injury was
caused by infantile spasms, which were not related to the initial
injury.
Shortly before the trial, and after receiving advice from
another expert on the cause of Sophie’s disabilities the defendants
admitted liability.
In addition, Paul McNeil secured a
substantial interim payment to enable the family to purchase care,
additional speech and language therapy, education services and more
suitable accommodation.
Following the admission of liability Sophie’s mum stated:
“We are delighted with the outcome of the case that Paul McNeil
conducted for our daughter. Paul’s tactical grasp throughout was
excellent.
"His exceptional skill secured us a quick admission from the
hospital of liability and he patiently capitalised on this to win a
substantial initial lump sum. We would have no hesitation in
recommending him to others”.
For further information or if you have a paediatrics negligence claim, call Paul McNeil on 020 7861
4019
or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your paediatrics
negligence claim with any member of our medical negligence team on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.