Seven-figure settlement after medical negligence left baby with severe brain damage
We helped the parents of a child born with cerebral palsy following negligence from medical professionals claim a seven-figure settlement to fund lifelong care.
What happened to Claire*?
*Real names not used
Claire was born in July 2006. During labour, she sustained chronic partial hypoxic ischaemia because of oxygen deprivation. This resulted in Claire having a serious brain injury.
The brain injury has caused Claire to have lifelong disabilities, including spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and severe learning difficulties. She will therefore be completely dependent on others for all aspects of her daily life.
Claire has complex medical and therapeutic needs. She also requires specific adaptations to the family home, which means they will have to purchase and adapt a property.
How did Irwin Mitchell help Claire and her family?
Claire’s parents came to our Medical Negligence team to claim compensation for the injuries Claire sustained during birth. Auriana Griffiths, a Partner in the team who specialises in brain injuries at birth, worked with the family to build a case against the NHS Trust.
Auriana examined the care Claire received during birth. She also instructed independent medical experts to review her care, diagnosis, and future care needs.
We alleged that had labour been induced earlier, Claire would have been delivered before the critical period of oxygen deprivation. This would have avoided or at least significantly reduced the extent of her brain damage.
After presenting our case, liability discussions began. This was resolved with the NHS Trust admitting most of the liability for Claire’s injuries.
Settling Claire’s claim
After negotiations with the NHS Trust, including two joint settlement meetings, our team reached a substantial seven-figure lump sum settlement for Claire.
In addition to the lump sum, the settlement includes a periodical payment order of £375,000 per annum for life, which started in December 2025.
The compensation carefully considered the risks and uncertainties around Claire’s life expectancy. It also took into consideration her accommodation requirements and made sure her care needs would be met for life.
Her parents were also recognised through the compensation amount. They had spent the last two decades caring for Claire, and this was reflected with a dedicated award for past gratuitous care.
Expert opinion
On Claire’s claim, Auriana said:
“This case underscores the importance of early intervention in obstetric care and the devastating consequences when standards fall short.
“It also highlights the value of expert legal representation in navigating complex medical evidence, negotiating fair compensation, and securing a future for those affected by clinical negligence.”
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