Payout of millions to girl left disabled at birth by blunder Hospital failed to react to warning signs
ALITTLE girl who was left severely disabled after blunders by staff at a Birmingham hospital, has won multi-million-pound compensation from the NHS.
The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was born at Birmingham Women’s Hospital in 2007.
But she suffered oxygen starvation in the womb after medics failed to react in time to warning signs that she was in difficulties.
Delays in performing an emergency caesarean section led to her suffering serious brain injures and being afflicted with cerebral palsy.
Now aged 10, she has “profound” physical and cognitive disabilities, London’s High Court heard.
But, despite her troubles, she has a bubbly personality with “a good sense of humour” and is said to be a “bit of a daddy’s girl.”
Through her mother, the girl sued Birmingham Women’s Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, claiming damages.
The NHS Trust admitted liability for her injuries “at an early stage” and has now agreed to a final settlement of the case.
As well as a £2,744,000 lump sum, the girl will receive annual, index-linked, payments to cover the costs of her care for life.
Those payments will start at £67,500 a year, rising to £110,000 a year when she reaches the age of 15, and then to £207,000 a year when she is 22.
The girl and her parents also received a public apology from NHS lawyers for the “avoidable human tragedy”.
Jonathan Jones QC, for the family, told the court : “This little girl suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of an admitted delay in proceeding to a caesarean section when signs of foetal distress were shown. Liability was admitted at an early stage.
“She is a very brave girl. She has profound disabilities and some preserved intellect. She has a good sense of humour. She smiles and likes winding her sister up.”
Mr Justice Spencer said: “This settlement will achieve for the family that which they set out to achieve, namely to allow them to purchase suitable accommodation, equipment and care for their daughter for the future and as long as she shall live.
“Until now, and for the foreseeable future, the burden of care has fallen primarily upon the parents.
“Nobody could fail to be moved by the devotion and care they have lavished on their daughter.
“For three years, the father has been her primary carer and devoted himself to her wellbeing. He has carried out that task with astonishing devotion.”