A seven-year-old boy will receive £6.94 million from Ipswich
Hospital for brain injuries he suffered after his birth at the
hospital. The compensation will go towards the cost of his care
throughout his lifetime.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was starved of
oxygen at birth and he now requires constant care. He will never be
able to live an independent life.
The boy was left with cerebral palsy and dystonia and cannot
sit, stand or grab items. He also has speech impairments and
learning difficulties.
The hospital admitted liability for not delivering him sooner in
2004.
The High Court heard the hospital was negligent in the
management of the boy's birth and he suffered a hypoxic injury
which would not have occurred had staff delivered him earlier.
Harry Trusted, representing the boy, said: "He is a very bright,
active child, but I cannot paint it in an entirely positive light
as he has lots of needs and is unable to sleep.
"The toll on mum and dad is a very heavy one and they had no
choice but to move house because of his disabilities."
Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust agreed to pay a lump sum of £3.25m
with further payments of £124,000-a-year rising to £175,000-a-year
in 2023.
The money is compensation for loss of earnings and will also pay
for specially adapted accommodation, equipment, speech and language
therapy and supporting care.
Mr Justice Butterfield, who approved the settlement, said: "The
parents have cared for this child with love and devotion over many
years.