£750,000 for woman left brain damaged following post-birth seizure
Punam Sood successfully settled a medical negligence claim on behalf of a mother who suffered permanent brain damage during a seizure just days after giving birth. The incident occurred after staff at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust failed to diagnose eclampsia during postnatal checks.
Following the birth of her fourth child, Melissa*, reported severe headaches. Despite this and her elevated blood pressure, there was insufficient monitoring, and she was discharged from hospital. Six days later, Melissa experienced a seizure and a cerebral bleed caused by undiagnosed eclampsia, resulting in life-changing brain damage.
Melissa was failed by a series of oversights by the medical team responsible for her postnatal care. Had she received appropriate treatment for her hypertension, she would not have developed eclampsia, and the seizure, cerebral bleed, and resulting brain injury could have been avoided.
The day after her discharge, Melissa became concerned about significant swelling in her foot and contacted the hospital. She was told no one was available to visit her until the following day. That night, she passed a large blood clot and experienced further heavy bleeding.
A midwife visited the next day, but no further investigation was carried out into her symptoms, including persistent headaches, high blood pressure, and swelling. As her headaches worsened, Melissa contacted the hospital again and was given an appointment for the following day. During that assessment, her blood pressure was not taken, and she was later advised to take painkillers.
The next day, while out shopping with her husband and newborn, Melissa suffered a seizure and collapsed. She was rushed to A&E and remained in hospital for several days. She was diagnosed with a postpartum haemorrhage secondary to hypertension, with a possible eclamptic component.
Melissa now lives with severe and permanent disabilities, including chronic fatigue, ongoing headaches, memory loss, slurred speech when tired, reduced physical capacity, sleep disturbances, and low mood. She is unable to drive, remains at risk of further seizures, and has a reduced life expectancy. Before the seizure Melissa had planned to take on training to gain a promotion at work, but the role has a significant safety element which is no longer appropriate for her to do.
Punam and her team pursued a medical negligence claim against the hospital Trust. Despite the Trust denying liability, they secured £750,000 in damages for Melissa during a hard-fought settlement meeting between the Parties, therefore avoiding the need for a Trial.
This compensation will help provide the care, support, and home adaptations she now needs to live as independently and comfortably as possible, and to safeguard her future considering the devastating injuries she has endured.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
Contact us
For further information about maternal injury claims or brain injury following medical negligence claims, please call Punam Sood on 0330 460 5952 or email punam.sood@fieldfisher.com
Alternatively
- You can speak to our medical negligence solicitors on freephone 0800 358 3848
- email us: personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
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All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee. Find out more about no win no fee claims.
