Mother injured by negligent care during childbirth

€185,000 settlement after childbirth negligence, Republic of Ireland

We secured a €185,000 settlement for a mother who suffered avoidable injuries because of negligent care during labour, delivery and the weeks after the birth.

Our client was admitted to hospital for the birth of her first child. It was alleged that her labour was not properly managed, including the use and increase of oxytocin, a drug given to strengthen contractions, during the second stage of labour without proper clinical justification. As labour went on, concerns arose about the baby's condition, and she needed an emergency instrumental delivery.

It was argued that the poor management of her labour led to the emergency delivery, during which she suffered a severe tear. After the birth she had ongoing physical symptoms that significantly affected her recovery, her wellbeing and her day-to-day life.

The claim also alleged failings in the third stage of labour and in her care after the birth. Placental tissue was left behind after delivery and was not identified or treated properly. As a result, she had ongoing symptoms, repeated hospital visits and needed further surgery. Expert evidence was also critical of her treatment once the retained tissue was found, including a first procedure that did not work and led to more surgery.

Independent medical experts instructed on her behalf were critical of both the management of her labour and delivery and her care afterwards. Their evidence also supported the significant psychological impact of what happened.

Following negotiations, the claim settled for €185,000, compensating her for her injuries and their effect on her life and work.

If you or your baby were harmed during pregnancy or birth, our birth injury claims team can help.

Every case is different and depends on its own facts, so a past result is not a guide to what another claim may be worth.