Having a child is a joyous occasion for many as it ushers in a new life into the world as well as another member to the family. However, there are instances where something goes horribly wrong during the birthing process, which may lead to terrible consequences.
A toddler was recently awarded a hefty sum of money as compensation from a public hospital after a judge found that they were liable for her paralysis during a Caesarean birth.
Left paralysed by Caesarean birth
FMT reported that a whopping RM5.6mil was awarded by the KL High Court to a 3-year-old girl who was left paralysed after she was born via a Caesarean birth.
The girl, who was born on May 12, 2020, was found to have a spinal cord injuries after she underwent a surgery, causing her be paralysed from the neck down.
After an internal inquiry was conducted by the hospital, they discovered that the medical officer who performed the surgery had no prior experience and did it without the supervision of an obstetrician and gynaecologist.
3yo M’sian girl receives RM5.6mil in damages
The girl’s father later filed a lawsuit on her behalf and named the government and doctors as the defendants, claiming that they were negligent and failed to act in his daughter’s best interest.
After the government admitted liability, Justice Akhtar Tahir ruled that RM5.6mil should be given to the girl, adding that “no amount of money can lessen the (girl’s) pain and suffering”.
The court is of the view that the amount of damages awarded must compensate as best as possible for the additional expenses which will be incurred by the caregivers in caring for the plaintiff with the disabilities suffered,” he said in his ruling.
Justice Akhtar also said that based on evidence submitted by doctors and the girl’s current condition, she is only expected to live up until 23-years-old.
He also ordered that the girl be compensated for the rest of her life.
What a sobering reminder and we hope all doctors will take their responsibilities more seriously!
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