by Alison Leon
5 October 2010
A man who was severely brain damaged during birth has successfully claimed £1.75 million compensation from the NHS Trust who he alleges were responsible for his injuries.
The man, who is in his 20s but cannot be named, sued the Princess Alexandra Hospitals NHS Trust through his parents, alleging that they were negligent during his delivery. By failing to perform a Caesarian in time, they caused the oxygen starvation that led to his brain damage, he claims.
The claimant is described as ‘delightful but vulnerable’ and has the ‘mind of a very small child,’ his QC said.
Although the NHS deny liability for his injuries, they agreed a settlement with the claimant’s family, which was ‘heavily discounted’ to reflect the risks of litigation.
The judge, Mr Justice Foskett, said he was happy to approve the award, according to the BBC.