Emma Dempsey, now aged 11, suffered shoulder injuries during her birth will have limited function in her right arm and shoulder for the rest of her life. As with all childen’s injury claims, the case was brought by her mother, Carol Dempsey, who acted as ‘next friend’ in the case.
The case was taken against the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, and against a consultant obstetrician, Dr Peter Lenehan, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin. The defendants denied any medical negligence. Despite advances in medical care, there are still a small percentage of births that will have complications due to natural causes and complications. The infant mortality rate in Ireland is less than 5 per 1,000 live births, which is one of the lowest rates in the world. However, this still means about 200 birth deaths every year.
High Court has approved a settlement of €500,000, which as made without any admission of liability.