Birth Injury & ROP Blindness Claims

Overview

Birth asphyxiation occurs when a baby is deprived of adequate oxygen before, during or shortly after birth, and can lead to permanent brain injury and cerebral palsy. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye condition affecting premature infants, which can lead to lifelong blindness if not screened and treated in time. Where healthcare professionals failed to meet the accepted standard of care in either case, your family may be entitled to compensation under South African law.

Both conditions turn on the same question: was there an avoidable delay, at a moment when timely recognition and treatment would probably have prevented the injury? We investigate the medical records to find out.

What Can You Claim For

Depending on the evidence, compensation may include:

• Past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and specialist therapy
• Specialised equipment, mobility aids and assistive devices
• Home and vehicle adaptations, where the child’s needs require them
• Caregiver costs, current and future
• Educational support and specialised schooling costs
• Future loss of earning capacity and other damages recognised by law

Required Documentation

We obtain the maternity, labour, neonatal and hospital records, fetal monitoring traces, ophthalmology and screening records, imaging, and expert opinions from independent specialists to determine whether the accepted standard of care was breached, and whether that breach caused the child’s injuries.

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