Spanish Court Awards Record €13.3M Over Birth Injuries Caused by Medical Errors

A Spanish court has awarded €13.3 million in compensation to the parents of Neizan, a child left with severe disabilities after medical errors during his birth. The ruling marks the highest payout of its kind in Spain and follows a lengthy legal battle over failures in care.

The boy, now diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, vision impairment and feeding difficulties, suffered irreversible brain damage due to oxygen deprivation at birth. Neizan was born in a critical condition, with no spontaneous breathing, a weak heartbeat and dangerously low blood pressure. Medical staff had failed to detect signs of oxygen deprivation during labour, despite clear clinical warnings. The court found that proper fetal monitoring and timely intervention could have prevented the damage.

Further errors worsened the situation. Forceps were used incorrectly to speed up delivery when the fetus was not in the correct position. Hospital protocols were ignored, allowing perinatal asphyxia to escalate. As a result, Neizan’s brain was starved of oxygen, leaving him with permanent neurological harm.

His current disability rating stands at 87%. The compensation will fund lifelong care and an adapted living environment tailored to his needs. The landmark ruling holds the hospital accountable for preventable mistakes during Neizan’s birth. The €13.3 million award will cover specialised care, therapies and equipment for the rest of his life. Legal experts note this sets a precedent for similar cases in Spain.