Funds Will Provide Child With Specialist Lifelong Care She Requires

A girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy following complications during birth has received a multi-million pound settlement which will provide her with the specialist care she needs for the rest of her life.

The child suffered a brain injury when she was deprived of oxygen during her birth at London’s University College Hospital.

After her parents raised concerns about her development, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

The couple, from Camden, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust agreed to accept 50 per cent liability for the child’s injuries. The Trust and the family’s legal team agreed a settlement of nearly £8.4 million which has been approved by the High Court.

The money will ensure that the girl, now aged 14, will be able to access the specialist care and therapies she is likely to need for the rest of her life. She cannot be named for legal reasons.

Expert Opinion

“Sadly through our work we see the consequences of what families can be left to face following delays and failings in birth.

“People with cerebral palsy have complex needs and it often takes many years for health professionals to fully establish the full extent of the support they will require for the rest of their life.

“While we are pleased to have secured the child this settlement, which has been carefully calculated and approved by the High Court, no amount of money can ever make up for the injuries she has suffered and the anguish her parents have endured.

“Despite her injuries the girl has made great progress and we hope that today’s approval will ensure that she can continue that progress and lead as full and independent a life as possible.

“It is also vital that the Hospital Trust learns lessons from this case to improve patient care.” Leena Savjani - Partner

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by birth injuries  

The girl’s mum said: “When our daughter was born and then diagnosed with cerebral palsy all our life plans went out of the window. We dedicated ourselves to helping her and taking care of her.

“There have been some difficult times but we are so proud of how our daughter tries not to let her disability define her. She is extremely resilient and motivated and has thus far overcome every challenge life has thrown at  her.

“She is the most loving and affectionate girl we could have ever wished for.  All we want is to be able to provide her with the best life possible.

“While nothing can turn the clock back this settlement at least gives us peace of mind that our daughter’s needs will be met for the rest of her life.”

The High Court approved the settlement on Friday, 18 October.