Paul McNeil recovered £3.5
million for Seth in a cerebral palsy
claim against John Radcliffe Hospital. Seth suffers from
cerebral palsy as a result of a mismanagement of syntocinon during
his birth at the hospital in 2001. The compensation package will
provide funds for expert treatment, rehabilitation and care to
allow Seth to reach his maximum potential.
Seth was born at the John Radcliffe Hospital on 4 October
2001. As a result of obstetric
negligence during the care of his mother during
labour, Seth now suffers from cerebral
palsy.
This affects his upper limbs more than his lower limbs. Happily
Seth's intelligence and intellectual capability is preserved, as is
his character. He is a very engaging little boy.
During the course of his mother’s labour the obstetric team
introduced a drug called syntocinon to increase his mother’s
contractions. Following this the fetal heart rate began to show
signs of stress.
We alleged (on Seth’s behalf) that a proper management plan
required that the syntocinon be stopped or reduced early in the
labour.
This would have resulted in the abnormalities to Seth's heart
rate being avoided. Delivery would have taken place by Caesarean
section and Seth would have been born without disability.
Instead the syntocinon was maintained throughout the labour and
the fetus began to suffer distress.
Although Seth was born in good condition, after birth he
inhaled a plug of meconium which blocked his trachea so that he was
unable to breathe for a period after birth.
We successfully argued that the meconium would not have been
passed if the fetus had not been stressed by the excessive
contractions caused by the syntocinon.
Paul McNeil investigated the cerebral palsy claim on behalf of Seth.
He obtained reports from an obstetrician and a neonatologist.
Proceedings were issued in January 2005.
The matter settled for £3.5 million in February 2006, close to
the date fixed for trial.
As a result of the settlement the family have been able to
purchase a suitable property and to provide professional care and
therapies which Seth needs to maximise his potential.
After the case Seth's mother said:
"It is impossible to put into words what Paul McNeil has done to
help our family. Throughout the case Paul was supportive,
approachable and honest which gave us great confidence in him and
his team.
"As a result of Paul's hard work and diligence we are able to
maximise Seth's potential and enable him to live his life with
a sense of independence and a dignity he deserves.”
For further information or if you have a cerebral palsy claim, call Paul McNeil on 020 7861
4019
or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your cerebral palsy
claim with any member of our medical
negligence team on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.