Delayed heart treatment causes brain damage
Abigail was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect shortly after birth and was admitted to hospital for cardiac surgery.
Following surgery Abigail suffered a cardiac arrest requiring an emergency response, but staff delayed providing cardiac massage to maintain her circulation. As a result Abigail’s brain was starved of oxygen and she now has cerebral palsy.
Abigail suffers from spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She remains doubly incontinent and will never walk or talk. She suffers from cognitive impairment and epilepsy. She is entirely dependant on others for all aspects of her care. Abigail was age 10 when her case settled and it is expected that she will live to age the of 50 and will require full care throughout her life.
Abigail’s parents pursued a claim against Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust on her behalf and Abigail was awarded nearly £5million with the assistance of Jonathan Peacock.