News
9 year old Erb's Palsy sufferer secures €620,000 in settlement
A young girl who fell victim to a mismanagement of her birth which resulted in a shoulder condition of Erb's palsy has secured a €620,000 settlement today. The young girl's mother took the High Court action on her behalf against the HSE and a consultant obstetrician who is based at Erinville Hospital, Cork.
Evidence given during High Court case
The evidence provided during the case stated that the consultant had applied excessive traction as well as inappropriate pressure during the labour. In addition, it was alleged that the defendant failed to perform a caesarean section when he knew or ought to have known that it was likely that dystocia would occur on delivery as he was aware that the young girl's mother suffered from insulin-dependent diabetes.
Lead up to incident
The young girl's mother visited Erinville Hospital for 20 consultations throughout the course of her pregnancy and on the 19th of April 1999 she was admitted to hospital as she had gone into labour.
The consultant started the induction procedure at 9.30am and during this course of action an irregularity was noted which was an acute emergency in the form of a shoulder injury.
The young girl will now have a permanent disability which could adversely affect her throughout the rest of her life.
What is Erb's palsy?
Erb's Palsy occurs when an injury has occurred to the upper group of the arm's main nerves which results in paralysis of the arm. Erb's palsy usually occurs during an abnormal or difficult childbirth or labour.
Depending on the extent of the damage caused, the paralysis can resolve itself over a period of time or require physical therapy or surgery.
Seeking Health Law Advice
For further information and advice regarding your legal rights and entitlements, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or complete an Online Enquiry Form. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Medical Negligence.
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