Boy who allegedly suffered bruising after forceps delivery at birth settles High Court action
High Court Reporters
A boy who has a newborn allegedly ended up with bruising to his face and is left with a small scar after a forceps delivery at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) has settled a High Court action for €50,000.
Little Kai Corcoran, his counsel Dr John O’Mahony SC told the court has one little scar on the left temple which counsel said is a residual minor indentation which is going to be permanent.
Counsel said it is their case that the forceps during the delivery seven years ago had allegedly been misapplied.
Dr O’Mahony said a full defence had been entered in the case and the settlement is without an admission of liability.
Kai Corcoran who is now 7 years old of Silversprings, Cork city had through his mother Sharon Walsh sued the HSE over the care he received at the time of his birth at Cork University Hospital on November 7th, 2016.
Kai’s mother Sharon Walsh had been admitted to CUMH on November 6th, 2016 for planned induction. A decision was later made to transfer to theatre, and she was prepared for instrumental delivery.
The baby was delivered by forceps delivery with tree pulls shortly before 11pm on November 7th. Little Kai, it was alleged was marked to the left and right side of his face and ears.
It was claimed that the forceps had been allegedly applied incorrectly and there was an alleged failure to exercise that degree of care, skill, competence, diligence and judgment which the baby was entitled to expect.
It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to ensure the blades were being applied symmetrically and scarring had been allegedly inflicted on the baby with the toe of the left arm of the forceps on his left temple.
All the claims were denied.
Counsel said the mother was told the bruising would clear up in a day or so but one scar has remained. He said there will be an option when the boy grows up to have a procedure to minimise the scar.
Approving the settlement Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds said it was a very good offer.
