Kelly to launch bill for compensation in stillborn medical negligence cases
Labour Health spokesperson Alan Kelly TD, will today at 11am launch a new bill to amend the law so that a family that loses an unborn child due to medical negligence is entitled to seek compensation for mental distress.
The need for a change in the law arises from the case of Mignon and Derek Underwood from Wexford whose son Conor was stillborn in 2012 following a delayed diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. The parents will be available to speak to the media tomorrow.
Currently family members cannot sue for the mental distress caused by the death of a child in the womb due to medical negligence, only for injuries caused to the health of the mother. Kelly’s Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2018 will address this situation.
What: Launch of Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2018 with Underwood family
When: 11am Wednesday 13th June
Where: Kildare St gates, Leinster House