Elizabeth’s Story

When Elizabeth’s daughter was stillborn, she instructed another firm of solicitors. She felt they lacked empathy so she came to us. We promptly arranged much needed bereavement counselling to help her cope with the loss of her daughter.Elizabeth pursued a claim for damages for psychiatric injury sustained as a result of the death of her daughter. As a result of negligent treatment provided during labour Elizabeth’s daughter was stillborn. Elizabeth had progressed through pregnancy without any problems and she went into labour at full term plus 9 days. However, the labour did not progress well and she needed an emergency caesarean section.

When Elizabeth awoke from surgery she was told her daughter had not survived.

Elizabeth suffered a severe bereavement reaction, a major depressive episode and a specific phobia. Her life was significantly affected as a result of the psychiatric injury. She needed extensive counselling by way of cognitive behavioural therapy together with anti-depressant medication.

Barratts medical negligence team were pro-active in arranging CBT for Elizabeth to ensure her best recovery. Elizabeth did make a steady recovery from the psychiatric injury.

The Defendants admitted liability for the negligence at an early stage. However, we could not settle the case until Elizabeth had undergone treatment and a final prognosis given.

Elizabeth’s case settled out of court for £44,000.