29 September 2010 Last updated at 07:43 ET

Scunthorpe blind baby's parents seek damages from NHS

It is not known if Xavier will ever be able to see out of his left eye

A Lincolnshire couple are seeking compensation from the NHS after their son was blinded in one eye during birth.

Xavier Cutillo's eyeball was injured and his skull fractured through the "misuse of forceps" at Scunthorpe General Hospital, his parents claim.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has admitted liability.

It has changed its policy and practices since the incident in December 2009.

Xavier's mother, Emma Portogallo, was admitted to hospital on 21 December last year.

After he was injured, further medical examination confirmed there was nothing that could be done to restore his sight, solicitors Russell Jones and Walker said.

They added there was also a possibility that he may have suffered brain damage.

'Extremely traumatic'

Miss Portogallo said: "My son will have to live with the consequences of this for the rest of his life.

"The whole experience has been extremely traumatic for both me and Xavier's father Daniel; we've been left physically and emotionally traumatised."

Her solicitors said they would be working to secure a settlement for the family which would cover Xavier's future medical fees and care.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement: "The trust has carried out a full investigation and review into the incident which led to injuries to Xavier.

"A number of changes to policy and practice have been implemented to ensure any risk of the circumstances being repeated are minimised. In particular, staff training has been extended and increased in frequency."

It said it had met with the family to support them and answer questions they had.