Injury compensation news

Parents welcome compensation for daughter's birth injury

A girl left disabled after suffering a serious birth injury has been awarded more than 4 million in personal injury compensation.

The 12-year-old girl's parents sued Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust for medical negligence during the birth of their daughter in November 1994.

Their injury claim stated that staff at the hospital ignored warning signs that she was in an irregular position and failed to perform an emergency caesarean.

The girl was starved of oxygen and now suffers from cerebral palsy.

The Trust agreed to pay 96 % of the birth injury claim and awarded the girl 4.2 million, which will be paid as an initial sum of 1.85 million, then 40,000 every year until she reaches 19 and 80,000 for every year after.

Eric Morton, chief executive of the hospital, said, "No amount of money can compensate her for what she has lost but we hope that this settlement will go some way towards helping her make the most of her life. We wish her and her family well for the future."

Personal injury solicitor, Paul Hackney, commented on the family's response to the successful birth injury compensation claim.

He said, "Her parents are very relieved that the parties have been able to reach an amicable outcome. The settlement of £4.2 million will ensure that she has financial security for her lifetime."