Million Pound Compensation Victory For Brain Injured Boy

A young boy of seven years old has been awarded £8.5 in compensation by the High Court following the negligent care that was given at his birth and caused brain injuries.

The boy, who now suffers from cerebral palsy, was born at the hospital in Haywards Heath but suffered brain damage during delivery.

The heart monitor was not correctly utilised and as a result, the boy was delivered later than he should have been. Had he been born by caesarean section it is likely he would have suffered no injuries at all.

The boy requires full-time care around the clock and is 100 per cent reliant on a wheelchair and technology to communicate.

The compensation amount will cover the physiotherapy, education and specialist equipment costs. The agreed amount will be in addition to periodical payments that he will receive for the rest of his life.

Talking about the impact the boy’s disabilities have had, his mother said that the condition affects all of her son’s limbs but his mind is very ‘bright’ and he continues to ‘amaze’ his friends and family.

She added that despite his triumphs the practicalities of looking after someone with such a severe disability is one of the ‘toughest jobs’.

The hospital trust involved has apologised to the family for the pain caused and said it had learned lessons from the incident.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “We are exceptionally sorry for the pain and distress caused to the family as a result of the unacceptably poor care received.

Published 11th February 2015.