Case Study - Craig

Craig was born on 8th July 1993 by normal vaginal delivery, but his birth was complicated by shoulder dystocia. As a consequence of the methods applied to deliver Craig, he developed a right sided Erb's Palsy. Craig's Erb's Palsy injury was caused by significant traction of the 5th and 6th cervical nerves.

Craig went on to develop a small, thin and weak shoulder together with a small and thin upper arm. Craig's affected muscles were principally those concerned with his shoulder elevation, external rotation of his upper arm, flexion of his elbow and muscles affecting his grasp due to difficulty in positioning his wrist and hand.

When Craig was 6 years old, 1999 medical professionals his treating doctors diagnosed a dislocated right shoulder. Craig subsequently underwent surgery to relocate his dislocated shoulder and a corrective osteotomy. As a result, Craig he had an excellent range of right shoulder movements and was no longer restricted in his activities by his right arm.

The improvement in Craig's condition following surgery significantly affected the value of his claim.

Allegations of negligence related to what measures should have been undertaken to overcome the shoulder dystocia. The medical records written at the time of Craig's birth were at odds with the nursing witness statements subsequently disclosed by the Defendant health authority. However, prior to trial the case was settled for £50,000 by clinical negligence specialist Lindsay Wise.