Boy who claimed he suffered bruising during forceps delivery at CUMH settles action for €50k

It was claimed the forceps had been allegedly applied incorrectly and boy was left with a permanent scar on his left temple, court heard

Kai Corcoran, who is now seven years old, of Silversprings, Cork City, had, through his mother Sharon Walsh, sued the HSE over the care he received at the time of his birth at Cork University Hospital on November 7, 2016.

A boy who as a newborn allegedly ended up with bruising to his face and is left with a small scar after a forceps delivery at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) has settled a High Court action for €50,000.

Little Kai Corcoran, his counsel, Dr John O’Mahony SC told the court, has one little scar on the left temple which counsel said was a residual minor indentation that is going to be permanent.

Counsel said it was their case the forceps during the delivery seven years ago had allegedly been misapplied.

Dr O’Mahony said a full defence had been entered in the case and the settlement is without an admission of liability.

Kai Corcoran, who is now seven years old, of Silversprings, Cork City, had, through his mother Sharon Walsh, sued the HSE over the care he received at the time of his birth at Cork University Hospital on November 7, 2016.

Kai’s mother Sharon Walsh was admitted to CUMH on November 6, 2016, for planned induction. A decision was later made to transfer to theatre, and she was prepared for instrumental delivery.

The baby was delivered by forceps delivery with three pulls shortly before 11pm on November 7.

Little Kai, it was alleged, was marked to the left and right side of his face and ears.

It was claimed the forceps had been allegedly applied incorrectly and there was an alleged failure to exercise that degree of care, skill, competence, diligence, and judgment that the baby was entitled to expect.

It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to ensure the blades were being applied symmetrically and scarring had been allegedly inflicted on the baby with the toe of the left arm of the forceps on his left temple.

All the claims were denied.

Counsel said the mother was told the bruising would clear up in a day or so but one scar had remained. He said there would be an option when the boy grows up to have a procedure to minimise the scar.

Approving the settlement, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds said it was a very good offer.