Relatives Instruct Medical Negligence Lawyers Following Havant Girl’s Death

The family of a 17-year-old who died after suffering a cardiac arrest after giving birth are calling for lessons to be learned after an inquest into her death concluded.

Teegan Barnard suffered a cardiac arrest around two hours after delivering her healthy baby boy, Parker, at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester on 9 September, 2019. 

Teegan, a pizza chef, was starved of oxygen and suffered a severe brain injury. Teegan was discharged from hospital to spend her final days at the family home in Havant. She died on 7 October, 2019. 

Lawyers help Teegan's family establish answers 

Following her death, Teegan’s parents Abbie Hallawell and Trevor Barnard, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help establish answers and support the family through the inquest process. 

The family and their legal team have now spoken out after an inquest into her death concluded. 

Expert Opinion

“Understandably attempting to come to terms with happened and the incredibly harrowing circumstances surrounding Teegan’s death has been incredibly difficult for all of Teegan’s family.

“For more than three years they’ve had a number of concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to her death with the inquest identifying worrying issues in the care Teegan received.

“While nothing can make up for what they’ve been through we’re pleased that we have at least been able to provide Abbie and Trevor with the answers they deserve.

“Sadly it’s too late for Teegan and her family but it’s now vital that lessons are learned from what happened to her to improve patient safety.

“We continue to support the family at this distressing time as we also continue to campaign for improvements in maternity safety nationally.” Rebecca Brown

Mum's tribute to daughter as she calls for care improvements 

Abbie said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the hurt and pain our family feel following Teegan’s death. The last three years have been a living nightmare which no parent should have to go through. 

“Our lives are not the same without Teegan. She was such a loving and caring girl who enjoyed things people her age did such as meeting friends and horse riding. She had an infectious personality and a wonderful smile. It’s devastating to think she’ll never get to fulfil her potential in life. 

“We’d like to thank the coroner for carrying out such a thorough investigation and listening to our concerns. While the inquest and listening to the evidence as to why Teegan died has been incredibly traumatic it’s something we needed to do to honour her memory.

“We know nothing can bring Teegan back or fill the void in our lives. All we can do now is ensure Parker grows up fully understanding what he meant to Teegan, how much she loved him and how proud she would have been of him. Teegan may not be with us but she will always be a part of our family. 

“All we can hope for now is that her death wasn’t totally in vain and improvements are made to help other mums. We wouldn’t wish the hurt and pain we continue to live with on anyone else.”

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by care issues at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.