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"Paul couldn't have been more helpful in dealing with what
is such an emotional issue that impacts on our family's
life.
We both feel that in instructing Field Fisher Waterhouse, we
are in good hands. We couldn't have found anyone better".
Gillian & Michael
James' parents
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James' story
James’ mother was pregnant with twins when she
went into pre-term labour at 30 weeks. An examination showed that
the twins were not in distress. She initially attended Hexham
General Hospital where attempts were made to stop the premature
labour. She was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital for
continued care. Throughout the labour the fetal heart rates were
normal and the obstetricians were happy that the twins were in
excellent health.
When James’ mother became fully dilated, it
was decided that the twins should be delivered naturally. To
facilitate the birth, an attempt was made to manually rotate James’
head, and when this failed, Kielland’s forceps were used to assist
in the delivery.
We argued that the obstetrician attending
didn’t have the experience to deliver twins with Kielland’s
forceps, especially at 30 weeks gestation, and that he used too
much force to deliver James.
As a result of the traumatic delivery, James
suffered a serious crushing fracture of the skull and he also began
haemorrhaging. The bleeding caused significant brain damage,
resulting in developmental delay and hemiplegia.
Paul McNeil was
instructed to take a claim against the Royal Victoria Hospital.
James had been represented by solicitors in Newcastle for many
years but little had been done to progress his claim.
We obtained medical advice and asserted that
the force used during the forceps was excessive causing the
fracture, and that the manual rotation of the head should not have
been attempted. We claimed that if he had been delivered by
caesarean section, James wouldn’t have suffered any injuries.
James suffered sequelae including poor head
growth. He has hemiplegia on his left side. At this stage, it is
impossible to assess the full extent of his disabilities and the
prognosis. This case settled on liability only in November 2009.
James’ parents were paid money on account to support his care and
education.
James' parents said:
"Paul couldn't have been more helpful in dealing with
what is such an emotional issue that impacts on our family's
life.
"We both feel that in instructing Field Fisher Waterhouse, we
are in good hands. We couldn't have found anyone better".
For further information or if you have a cerebral palsy claim please 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.