£1 Million Compensation for Brain Injuries at Birth

A mother has been awarded more than £1 million in compensation after her baby suffered severe brain injuries at birth.

Catherine Wilde’s son, Liam, was born at Burnley General Hospital in 1997. His umbilical cord was wrapped under his arm and he was blue from lack of oxygen. This resulted in serious damage to his brain, which has left him with acute cerebral palsy. He has difficulty moving, poor communication skills and learning difficulties.

Liam, who is now 15, requires 24-hour care, which includes help from his family and from carers with basic everyday tasks such as dressing and washing.

A claim for medical negligence was brought against East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust on the ground that medical staff should have arranged for Liam to be delivered by Caesarean section. This would have prevented the oxygen starvation which caused his brain injury.

The compensation award, which is made up of a lump sum together with annual periodical payments, has now been approved by the High Court. The settlement will mean that Liam’s care costs can be met for the rest of his life.