Injury compensation news
15/11/2007

Medical negligence at birth results in damages

The family of a seven-year-old boy who suffered serious brain injuries at birth have been awarded seven-figure damages.

The parents of the Cumbrian boy made a personal injury compensation claim against their local hospital after medical negligence during his birth meant he was starved of oxygen in the womb. He subsequently suffered cerebral palsy which has left him unable to speak or use his limbs.

Hospital bosses have now agreed birth injury compensation of £3.6 million and the judge who agreed the sum paid tribute to the care the boy's parents have given to their son over the past seven years.

He heard how they had to give up their jobs and were forced to live in a home wholly unsuitable for their severely disabled son, labelling them "absolutely wonderful parents".

Talking about the errors made during the boy's delivery, the 30-year-old father said: "I was there during the birth, and I could tell that things weren't right; they seemed to have limited staff and there weren't enough people there at crucial times."

Also criticising the lack of support he and his wife were given bringing up their son, the former builder said: "It's disturbing when you realise just how little help you get from the Government.

"We didn't have any of the right equipment and social services could only offer us four hours of respite care a week. We were all absolutely shattered."

The £3.6 million personal injury compensation claim payout will now allow the family to move to more suitable accommodation and will also ensure the brain damaged youngster will be properly looked after for the rest of his life.