Our birth injury specialists helped Tom and his family to claim compensation and get the care and support he needed, despite previous lawyers not finding enough evidence to make a claim.
Tom was born in 1992. As a result of delays from medical staff not responding to distress signs, Tom suffers from cerebral palsy.
Tom’s mum, Paula, tried to make a compensation claim in the mid 1990s but her solicitors closed the case after failing to find evidence of negligence.
When Tom was 17, Paula contacted us and asked us to investigate his case again. Following our investigations, the NHS Trust admitted being at fault and we are now working to establish the funds Tom needs for his lifetime of care and support.
After leaving school, Tom received very little specialist care or help from anyone other than his family.
Interim Payments Help Tom Access Specialist Care
Once the NHS Trust admitted liability, we helped Tom and his family access early interim payments. These funds allowed us to put in place case management and ongoing care, including physiotherapy.
Tom and his family were also able to move into a bungalow that was modified to meet his specialist needs.
Paula, Tom’s mum, said that the efforts of his legal team have made a huge difference to Tom’s life. She commented: “I am very grateful for everything Irwin Mitchell has done for Tom and his family. When we instructed the first firm of solicitors back in the 1990s, we were very disappointed that Tom’s claim could not proceed.
“We were overjoyed when Irwin Mitchell was able to obtain a full admission of liability for Tom from the hospital. Although we have not yet obtained a final settlement from the Defendants we are working with Irwin Mitchell, the case managers and experts to ensure that Tom has everything that he needs now and for the future.”
Tom’s Solicitor Explains What Compensation Means To Tom And His Family
Angela Kirtley, Tom’s solicitor added: “We feel that we have made a real difference to Tom’s life. The interim payments have made sure that Tom can now do the things that he may have always wanted to do in the past but has not had the resources to carry out.
“Before we obtained an admission of liability from the hospital, Tom had very little to look forward to. Tom can now participate in all sorts of activities that he didn’t have the resources to try out before.”
If you or a loved one has suffered a birth injury, we may be able to help you claim compensation. See our Medical Negligence Guide for more information.
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