At Moore Barlow, we supported our client through a deeply traumatic medical negligence claim arising from the mismanagement of her labour and delivery during the birth of her third child.
What should have been a positive experience resulted in a uterine rupture, post-partum haemorrhage and ultimately a sub-total hysterectomy, causing her profound physical and psychological injury.
Background to the case
Our client’s pregnancy was entirely uncomplicated. At 40 weeks and 6 days, she attended hospital for an induction of labour.
At 13:20, prostaglandin gel was administered. Labour did not progress significantly that day and she remained in hospital overnight.
The following morning, CTG monitoring was commenced. Despite this, progress remained slow. At 13:20, a syntocinon drip was started to stimulate contractions. As labour intensified, our client began experiencing severe pain. It was agreed that an epidural would be administered and this took place at 17:30. Unfortunately, the epidural was ineffective and her pain continued.
This was our client’s third pregnancy, and she instinctively felt that something was not right.
At 18:23, the syntocinon drip was stopped. Shortly afterwards, the baby’s heart rate began to decelerate, prompting an emergency transfer to theatre.
At 18:49, our client gave birth to a healthy baby. However, she had lost a significant amount of blood and was taken to theatre for further assessment. At that stage, it was believed there was no ongoing cause for concern and she was returned to the ward.
Soon after, further blood loss was identified. She was urgently rushed back to theatre, where a doctor informed her partner that a hysterectomy would be required to save her life.
Emergency surgery was performed and confirmed that our client had suffered a uterine rupture. While the surgery was lifesaving, it left her with life-changing physical consequences.
Tragically, the events surrounding the birth also caused a severe psychological injury, from which she is not expected to fully recover.
How we resolved the case
We began by obtaining expert medical evidence from a Consultant Obstetrician. The expert concluded that, at around 15:00 on our client’s second day in hospital, the CTG trace should have been classified as pathological. In those circumstances, our client should have been offered a caesarean section.
Had this been done, the uterine rupture — and the devastating physical and psychological injuries that followed — would have been avoided.
The Hospital denied liability during the pre-action protocol, and we subsequently issued court proceedings. The Defendant Trust maintained its denial throughout the litigation. However, following the exchange of liability witness evidence, both parties agreed to attend a settlement meeting.
That meeting was successful, and the claim settled for a six-figure sum, providing our client with financial security and recognition of the harm she suffered.
Hear from the client
I am extremely satisfied with the service I received from Hayley and Moore Barlow and I am incredibly satisfied with the outcome both in relation to the settlement received and the recovery of costs from the defence. This has made such a difference to me and my family after a very difficult 7 years both financially and emotionally.
Supporting our client beyond the claim
This case highlights the importance of listening to mothers during labour and acting promptly when warning signs arise. While no amount of compensation can undo what our client has endured, we are proud to have secured an outcome that acknowledges the seriousness of her injuries and supports her future needs.
