Over £14 million secured in cerebral palsy compensation

Medical Negligence lawyer Sahida Patel secured over £14 million in compensation for a child who suffers with cerebral palsy as a result of NHS clinical negligence.  

The Facts 

The Claimant, born on 10 February 2006, was not breathing for the first 9 minutes immediately after birth and went on to suffer neonatal encephalopathy (with fitting) and was diagnosed with four limb cerebral palsy.  We investigated whether these injuries were caused by mismanagement during the labour and delivery and whether with earlier delivery the Claimant’s injures would have been avoided. 

Our Investigation 

The Defendant NHS Trust disputed liability for the Claimant’s injuries under the Pre-Action Protocol so legal proceedings were started in the High Court.  Before the case proceed to a Court trial a settlement meeting was arranged where the Defendant Hospital accepted that failings by their medical staff had caused 80% of the Claimant’s injuries.   

Settlement 

After liability had been settled, Sahida extensively investigated the Claimant’s current and future disabilities and needs in order to assess how much compensation the Defendant should pay. 

To assist, we obtained expert evidence in the fields of: 

• Paediatric/Paediatric Neurology 

• Educational/Clinical Psychology 

• Care and Case Management 

• Occupational Therapy 

• Speech and Language Therapy 

• Physiotherapy 

• Accommodation 

• Deputyship/Court of Protection 

Following a further Joint Settlement Meeting between the parties, a settlement figure was agreed which amounted to over £14.5 million pounds in compensation on a capitalised basis. 

The financial settlement secured included a lump sum compensation payment of £6 million and annual periodical payments to cover the cost of the Claimant’s life-long care and case management needs. The annual payments start at £110,000 and then increase to £116,000 when the Claimant turns 18.  

How our experts can help you 

Our medical negligence solicitors are top ranked by the independent legal directories.  We regularly investigate and successfully resolve complex Cerebral Palsy and Birth Injury cases and have vast experience, knowledge and expertise in this area. 

Speak to our solicitors today.