Medical Negligence Lawyers Agree Settlement With Hospital Trust Which Will Fund Specialist Lifetime Care Child Requires

A boy diagnosed with cerebral palsy following meningitis will receive the lifetime of specialist care he requires after the High Court approved a settlement.

The boy suffered a brain injury after he was diagnosed with meningitis as a baby. As well as cerebral palsy he has been diagnosed with Global Development Delay, epilepsy, hearing and sight problems and communication difficulties.

His parents took him hospital in the late 2000s when he became unwell.  He was discharged and re-admitted later that night but by that time his condition had seriously deteriorated.   

Medical negligence lawyers support family after boy falls ill with meningitis

Following his meningitis diagnosis his parents instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, concerned that their son, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had not received antibiotics to treat his meningitis quickly enough. 

A Hospital Trust reached a compromised agreement with the boy’s parents.  The agreement, which did not make any admissions in relation to liability, was approved by the High Court in 2019. Following further discussions between the family’s legal team and the Trust, a settlement has been agreed. 

Boy diagnosed with cerebral palsy receives settlement

The High Court has today approved the settlement, meaning the boy, who is now a teenager, will have access to the specialist care, support and therapies he requires for the rest of his life. 

The funds will be managed by Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection team to ensure they last for the remainder of the boy’s life.

Expert Opinion

“This is a tragic case in which there are no winners. While this settlement, which has been carefully calculated and approved by the High Court, means our client can receive the lifetime care and support he requires because of his complex needs, the family would rather not be in this position.

“Through our work we sadly see the devastating consequences that families can be left to face because of meningitis. Awareness of the signs and symptoms, and early detection and treatment, are key to minimising the consequences of this terrible illness.

“We hope that this settlement and the conclusion of the legal case can enable the family to try and look to the future the best they can safe in the knowledge that their son will receive the best support possible to live as independently as possible.” Anita Jewitt - Partner

The settlement includes a lump sum of £5.5 million as well as annual payments.

Ania Bean and Anita Jewitt from Irwin Mitchell represented the boy and his family. The family also received support from the charity Meningitis Now during the course of the legal case, for which they were extremely grateful.

Mum's meningitis awareness campaign 

The boy’s mum said: “Our son means the world to us and he amazes every day with the courage and determination he shows to make the most of life. 

“Despite everything he’s been through he is always happy and we try and lead as normal a life as possible. However, it’s difficult not to think what may happen as he gets older. 

“While nothing can make up for what happened, we’re relieved that we don’t have to worry about our son’s future care and know that he will receive the lifetime of support he needs.  

“It’s also vital that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and continue to seek medical help as soon as possible. It could make all the difference to their family.”

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by care issues at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.