Brain Damage Compensation

Two Year Old Child Left Severely Disabled by Father Secures Compensation for Lifetime of Care

A two year old child from Newcastle upon Tyne who was left with severe brain damage following a brutal attack by her father when she was 10 weeks old has been awarded an interim payment of £100,000 by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Amy Lea Charlton of West Denton, Newcastle was assaulted by her father on 9th September 2004 in Newcastle General Hospital. Amy was shaken so violently that she suffered severe brain damage, blindness and the assault left her with severe learning and physical disabilities from brain damage.

Her father David William Charlton (23) was convicted of Grievous Bodily Harm with intent on 27th January 2006 after a three day trial at Newcastle Crown Court; he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

Paul Brown of Newcastle based law firm Irwin Mitchell, who represented Amy's mother Emma (23), secured this interim payment within 5 months due to an urgent need to cover the costs of the essential care Amy requires including the cost of accommodation, transport, equipment as well as the cost of additional carers.

Mr Brown said, "The assault that Amy was subjected to was horrific and has left her requiring 24 hour care for the rest of her life. The interim payment that we secured for Amy and her family will be used to provide the best quality of life for Amy for the immediate future. We will continue to press for a final compensation award which will support Amy for the remainder of her life. "

Amy's mother Emma said "I am just relieved that now I can now give Amy the very best care, and the best quality of life, which she deserves. I am so grateful to my solicitors for being able to arrange this payment so quickly for Amy and to my family who have been so supportive and who share in the care for Amy. We love her so much and can now feel certain that we can provide for her immediate future."

If you have been injured in a violent crime, our criminal injury lawyers could help you to secure compensation. Our expert lawyers have helped clients after many different incidents, often through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme. Contact us today to talk to an expert.