Family of Mother Who Died Days After Giving Birth Win Damages

The consequences of hospital negligence are often tragic, but few are more so than the loss of a young mother after giving birth. In one such case, the partner of a woman who died of a rare complication within days of being delivered of her third child secured a £1.5 million settlement of his claim against the NHS.

The woman's baby was just 11 days old when she suffered a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. Opportunities to diagnose the condition had been missed and she died, aged in her mid-20s. After her partner instructed solicitors, the NHS trust that bore responsibility for her care admitted breach of duty and apologised.

In approving the agreed settlement, the High Court paid tribute to the family's legal team in achieving a very good outcome to the case without the need for a contested trial. The woman's partner had expressed a determination to obtain justice and had devoted himself to their children's welfare. The settlement, so far as possible, achieved both of those objectives.