17 November 2010
Specialist clinical negligence solicitor and partner Olive Lewin has successfully settled a claim for compensation on behalf of a deaf young woman after taking over the case from a firm of solicitors who had run the case for 14 years.
This was was a complex claim that involved 17 hours of fetal distress during which time our client experienced meconium aspiration. Meconium is the baby’s faeces which can be passed into the amniotic fluid, the baby can then inhale, or aspirate meconium during labour.
Our client was given Gentamicin, a very powerful antibiotic which can be toxic to the auditory system, to combat any infection in the lungs, but as a result of her poor condition, she went into renal and liver failure. This meant that the Gentamicin levels increased as it could not be flushed out of her system. As a result, she developed side effects from the drug toxicity, which resulted in her developing severe deafness.
Because she suffered deafness before she learned to speak our client has delayed and limited language development; deafness associated learning difficulties; tinnitus; behavioural problems as she has never accepted her deafness; low self esteem, loss of independence and so is a very dependent individual and will always need to be cared for. She is also vulnerable, and is a Protected Party.
Olive said of the settlement:
"I am pleased that this settlement will allow my client and her family to move on with their lives. My client will always require care, and a proper package can now be put in place which will provide great relief for my client and her mother".
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.