Courts / Laois / Report

€1.9 million settlement for boy born after alleged delay in carrying out Caesarean section

Summary

A 16‑year‑old boy, born in January 2009 at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, received a €1.9 million settlement after a High Court approved a claim of medical negligence. The mother sued the HSE for alleged breaches of statutory duty, citing a delayed Caesarean section and abnormal cardiotocography (CTG) readings that were not properly monitored. The child was delivered 80 minutes after the decision to perform the emergency Caesarean, with a 50‑minute delay beyond the usual timeframe. He suffered severe breathing difficulties, hypoxia, and a delayed resuscitation, during which an anaesthetist allegedly interfered with the attending doctor's attempts to intubate. The newborn spent 11 days in intensive care, had an MRI‑confirmed kidney and brain infarct, and was left with severe personal injuries. The settlement was reached without an admission of liability, and the court approved it on the day of the hearing. The family welcomed the outcome and urged a review of maternity care in Ireland.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: €1.9 million settlement for boy born after alleged delay in carrying out Caesarean section. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-07-22 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report