Richard
Earle has recovered a substantial sum in
compensation on behalf of Matthew Ellerbeck, who sustained
serious brain
damage after contracting herpes at the age of
six.
In 1997, Matthew suffered a prolonged convulsion,
and was taken in an ambulance to the A&E department of the
Royal London Hospital.
Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) should have been
suspected, and aciclovir (an antiviral drug) should have been
administered immediately.
However the drug was not given to Matthew until
over 30 hours later.
As a result of this delay, Matthew sustained
serious brain damage. He is now 17, and as a result of the brain
damage he suffers daily epileptic attacks and severe learning
difficulties, as well as serious attention and behavioural
problems.
Matthew’s mother, Susan Culling, brought the case
against Barts & the London NHS Trust on his behalf in the High
Court. She instructed Richard Earle to
pursue the accident and
emergency claim against the hospital.
Following this long legal battle,
Richard recovered substantial damages. This includes provision
for periodical (annual) payments to be made for the rest of
Matthew’s life to cover his care and accommodation
needs.
 |
|
Matthew's mother said: “I was determined
to press on and seek justice for Matthew. I am very pleased at the
level of compensation which will make a huge difference to
Matthew’s life.”
Richard Earle said: “I am
absolutely delighted that substantial damages have been recovered
on Matthew’s behalf, in what was an extremely complex case on the
medical evidence where both Matthew’s lawyers and medical team had
worked extremely hard to overcome the Defendant’s arguments on
causation. This will improve the quality of Matthew’s life and
provide protection for the future.”
|
For further information or if you have an accident and emergency claim please call
Richard Earle
on
020 7861 4041 or email richard.earle@ffw.com.
You can discuss your accident and emergency claim with any member
of our medical negligence team on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.