June 29, 2015

Corporate manslaughter charge following young mum’s death

Frances Cappucini, aged 30, died in Pembury Hospital following an emergency caesarean section in October 2012.

A subsequent inquest heard that Ms Cappucini had wanted to give birth by caesarean to begin with, but had been reluctantly persuaded to change her birth plan.

When complications arose, medical staff were forced to perform an emergency procedure and the mother-to-be suffered heavy bleeding. A few hours after giving birth to her son Jack she suffered a cardiac arrest and died.

Following a lengthy investigation, the CPS has decided to press ahead with the landmark legal proceedings. A trial is expected to be held at the High Court next year.

Corporate manslaughter was made an offence eight years ago. During the intervening period, the number of prosecutions has been limited, with most of the cases brought against small owner-managed companies.

This case is the first time that an NHS trust has been charged with the offence.

At Royds, our personal injury team has a wealth of experience representing both claimants and defendants in respect of actions against NHS trusts and clinical negligence claims. For more information please visit or email James Millar Craig.

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