Seven-Year-Old Girl Wins £10 Million NHS Damages
A 'beautiful and engaging' seven-year-old girl who is severely disabled as a result of admitted negligence on the part of medical staff during her birth has won more than £10 million in damages from the NHS.
The girl was starved of oxygen during her traumatic hospital delivery and suffered brain damage and cerebral palsy as a result. She is unable to walk without help and finds it hard even to sit up unaided. She also becomes intensely frustrated by her communication difficulties.
She has, however, shown great determination and enthusiasm in trying to conquer her disabilities. Cared for by her devoted parents, she is very affectionate and has formed a powerful bond with her younger sister.
The judge observed, "She clearly wants to succeed at everything she tries. However, it is clear that she cannot do, and will not be able to do without a good deal of help, any of the things that able-bodied people carelessly take for granted... I have a strong sense of an energetic, inquisitive mind trapped in a body that will not do what she would wish it could do."
Had she not been injured, the judge found that she would probably have gone to university and, like her parents, enjoyed a professional career. She was awarded £275,000 for her pain, suffering and loss of amenity as well as large sums for her future lost earnings and accommodation, equipment and care costs. Her total compensation award, when capitalised, is £10,135,511.