Compensation secured for child after oxygen deprivation causes cerebral palsy

Our client

Laura* (8 years old) was injured when delays during her birth reduced the supply of oxygen to her brain, causing a hypoxic ischemic brain injury. This resulted in cerebral palsy, asymmetric spastic quadriplegia and global developmental delay with learning difficulties. Laura is totally dependent on others for all activities of daily living. She has some preserved intellect, the full extent of which has not yet been assessed.

The result

Our specialist cerebral palsy claims solicitors obtained a full admission of liability from the NHS Trust. Substantial temporary short term payments have been secured to cover Laura’s immediate needs, whilst the valuation of the claim is undertaken.

Specialist Court of Protection solicitor, Ruth Meyer, is in the process of being appointed as Laura’s deputy.

The claim process

When our cerebral palsy claims team was first contacted they began an investigation into Laura’s delivery, what went wrong and whether the hypoxic ischemic brain injury that caused her cerebral palsy could have been prevented. This involved looking at medical records for Laura and requesting reports from expert witnesses such as a neonatologist and an obstetrician. The claim was enormously complex and a number of reports were required.

Our cerebral palsy claims solicitors then contacted the hospital setting out what had happened to Laura and how they believed hospital negligence had occurred.

Did the hospital admit fault?

On considering our specialist solicitor’s letter setting out what happened to Laura, the hospital’s solicitors admitted full responsibility for Laura’s injury that resulted in her cerebral palsy.

How was the claim funded?

Legal Aid was granted and there was no cost to Laura or her family in making their cerebral palsy claim.

The future for Laura

Laura and her family are receiving temporary short term payments whilst the valuation of the cerebral palsy claim is undertaken. With claim compensation secured, Laura will receive the care she needs both now and for the rest of her life.

*All names have been changed for client privacy.