At Switalskis, we understand how devastating it is to lose a child due to preventable medical errors. Our team provides compassionate and expert legal support for families affected by Leeds maternity negligence and birth injury cases, guiding them through complex, distressing circumstances with sensitivity and care.

Timeline of Preventable Birth Injury at Leeds General Infirmary

Our client, Sherryl Callanan, was 20 weeks pregnant when she was told her baby boy had Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a serious congenital heart condition. Initially booked at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, she was referred to the specialist foetal medicine team at Leeds General Infirmary, where her baby’s survival rate was over 90% if treated immediately after birth.

Labour was planned to be induced at 38 weeks to allow access to specialist care. However, Sherryl’s planned induction was cancelled two days in a row due to a lack of neonatal beds at Leeds. On the third day, Sherryl was waiting to be told if a bed was available when she went into labour naturally. No neonatal cots were available at Leeds, and Sherryl was advised to attend Chesterfield Hospital instead. Labour progressed quickly, and it was deemed unsafe to transfer her to Leeds. Her son, Kit-Aaron, was born at Chesterfield at 12:41pm. Though initially in good condition, he became hypoxic, required urgent intubation, and tragically died later that day.

An inquest concluded that Kit-Aaron’s death was preventable. The specialist post-birth care planned at Leeds was unavailable, and an antenatal admission at Leeds, which could have saved his life, had not been offered.

Emotional and Psychiatric Impact of Birth Injury on Families in Leeds

Sherryl, as a primary victim, suffered profound psychiatric injury as a result of the failings in the management of her pregnancy and delivery. Following the birth and loss of her son, she developed:

• Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) – with symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, and detachment.
• Depression, Agoraphobia, and Panic Disorder – causing social withdrawal, low mood, and physical symptoms such as palpitations.
• Practical and relational effects – difficulty coping with daily life, strain on her relationship with her husband, and ongoing anxiety around future pregnancies.

The claim for Kit-Aaron was brought by his Administrators under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 and Fatal Accidents Act 1976, while Sherryl  also pursued compensation for her own psychiatric injuries.

Legal Support for Leeds Maternity Negligence Claims

The case was brought against Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Given the tragic circumstances, it was vital that the parents had expert legal support to guide them through an overwhelming and complex process. This support helped them:

• Attend the inquest safely as vulnerable witnesses
• Ensure they were fairly represented in complicated proceedings, including matters relating to Article 2 of the Human Rights Act.
• Investigate and pursue civil claims arising from the death of their baby.

Switalskis carefully reviewed all medical records, prepared detailed timelines of events, and instructed expert evidence. Psychiatric assessments highlighted the serious and ongoing impact on Sherryl’s mental health, which was a crucial part of the claim.

Settlement and Outcome in Leeds Birth Injury Case

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust ultimately admitted that the Kit-Aaron’s death could have been avoided had proper arrangements been made. Sherryl and her family received a formal apology from the Trust, and after careful negotiation, a settlement of £95,000 was agreed. This included compensation for both the death of her son and her psychiatric injury.

Need Specialist Support for a Birth Injury in Leeds?

Switalskis’ medical negligence team, led by  Suzanne Munroe with support from Senior Solicitor Linda Smith, managed this highly complex case with skill, sensitivity, and efficiency. By handling the majority of proceedings internally, the team minimised costs without compromising quality, ensuring the family received justice and support throughout the process.

Our team is proud to have guided the family through a legal and emotional process that required both expertise and empathy. This case highlights the critical importance of specialist knowledge in complex medical negligence claims and demonstrates Switalskis’ ongoing commitment to families affected by medical errors, particularly in Leeds maternity and birth injury cases.

Need Support for a Birth Injury in Leeds?

If you or a loved one has experienced a birth injury or maternity negligence in Leeds, our specialist medical negligence solicitors can help you seek justice and compensation. Contact Switalskis today for compassionate guidance and expert support.

You can speak in confidence with Linda Smith on 0800 138 0458 or by email at help@switalskis.com .