Baby death following failed forceps delivery

My client went into hospital for the birth of her first baby. Labour was progressing slowly and she was reviewed and examined by a junior doctor.

He advised she be taken to theatre so the delivery of the baby could be assisted by forceps failing which she would have a caesarean section. Unfortunately, however the doctor had wrongly assessed her cervix to be almost fully dilated when in fact it was not. This meant he tried to deliver the baby too early with the outcome the baby became stuck. He tried different procedures to try to effect a delivery but it took too long with the outcome the baby was deprived of oxygen and died. Prior to an inquest, the hospital admitted liability and thereafter an out of court settlement was reached with the parents.

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