Martin Kerrigan Solicitor represented Anna and Gerard Gilligan in High Court proceedings arising from the death of their daughter, Ailbhe Gilligan. The court heard the case involved allegations concerning the obstetric care provided during labour and delivery.
Counsel for the family told the High Court it was alleged that CTG monitoring of the baby’s heart rate was deficient and that, at certain stages during labour, there was no continuous monitoring of the baby’s condition.
It was further alleged that early signs of foetal distress were overlooked and that Ailbhe suffered a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen during delivery.
The court heard that attempts to resuscitate the baby following delivery were unsuccessful and that she died approximately one hour after birth.
In the proceedings, it was claimed that if delivery had occurred earlier, resuscitation would have been successful and Ailbhe would have survived.
University Hospital Galway expressed condolences to the family and apologised for shortcomings in the obstetric care provided. The HSE denied that the death of Ailbhe was caused solely and entirely by the admitted breach of duty.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey described the matter as a very sad and tragic case and conveyed his sympathy to Ailbhe’s parents and extended family.
Obstetric negligence and birth injury claims can involve complex medical and legal issues, often requiring detailed review of maternity records together with independent expert medical evidence.
Kerrigan Solicitors advises clients throughout Galway and Ireland in relation to obstetric negligence claims, birth injury claims, medical negligence litigation, and fatal injury matters.
Source: RTÉ News