Damages for Boy Left With Cerebral Palsy After Negligent Delivery

Substantial compensation has been secured for a nine-year-old boy who suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of errors made shortly before his birth.

Medical staff had failed to diagnose that he was in the breech position and alternative modes of delivery, such as a caesarean section, were not offered to his parents. Following a difficult delivery, he needed to be resuscitated and did not begin to breathe until eight minutes after he was born.

He was later diagnosed with brain damage caused by oxygen starvation. While his intellect is thankfully unharmed, he suffers from cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs.

A claim was brought on his behalf against the NHS trust responsible for the hospital where he was born, which admitted liability for his injuries. Expert medical evidence was obtained, and a settlement was agreed whereby he will receive a lump sum of £2.5 million and lifetime periodical payments. These will start at £27,000 per year and increase over time to £170,000 per year when he reaches the age of 55.