Mother awarded R540 000 in cerebral palsy medical negligence case against Mpumalanga health authorities

The Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela has ruled in favour of a mother seeking R540 000 in damages for her late child's brain injury, which resulted in cerebral palsy.  

The plaintiff, whose identity has been anonymised for privacy, initiated legal proceedings as the natural guardian of her deceased son, N. She alleged that negligent conduct by medical staff at Embhuleni Hospital during her pregnancy resulted in severe, lifelong consequences for her child. N suffered debilitating disabilities due to perinatal asphyxia at birth, leading to substantial damages claim against Mpumalanga’s health authorities. 

On 10 February 2017, the plaintiff was admitted to Embhuleni Hospital for pregnancy management, childbirth, and post-parturition care. During her prolonged hours of labour, her unborn baby suffered foetal distress and hypoxic ischemic brain injury, causing permanent brain damage, disability, and cerebral palsy. 

Expert medical testimonies 

The plaintiff’s claim was supported by medico-legal reports from specialists, including: 

• Neurosurgeon Dr Jaques J du Plessis, who confirmed that N suffered from spastic quadriplegia and was unable to communicate. 
• Specialist Physician Dr APJ Botha, who assessed N at 5 years and 5 months old, determining he had severe intellectual impairment, microcephaly, and complete dependence for basic functions. 
• Physiotherapist Dr PC Makatleng, who found that N’s musculoskeletal impairments classified him as GMFCS Level 5, meaning he was wheelchair-bound and unable to sit or control head movements. 
• Occupational Therapist L Mashishi, who confirmed that N was unable to engage in any occupational performance areas, reinforcing the claim’s severity. 

These reports were formally admitted into evidence per Uniform Rule 38(2). 

Legal findings on liability and compensation 

In May 2022, a prior settlement agreement established that the MEC for Health in Mpumalanga was vicariously liable for 90% of any proven damages due to medical personnel negligence. Following liability confirmation, the case proceeded to assess compensation, particularly after N’s tragic passing in August 2023. 

The mother had initially sought R4 million for general damages, citing the emotional, financial, and physical toll suffered due to her child’s condition. However, the court ultimately awarded R540 000, noting that while financial compensation cannot replace profound loss, it serves as legal recognition of the hardship endured by both N and his family. 

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