Highest compensation awarded for Erbs Palsy claimant
26/11/2009
The Royal Courts of Justice have approved a settlement of £475,000 for Natalie Lee who suffered a severe group 4 brachial plexus injury (Erbs Palsy) and Horner’s Syndrome during her birth. Full liability was admitted by the hospital, and a full apology was offered.
Natalia underwent several surgical interventions but despite surgery, she continues to have a flexion contracture at the elbow, as well as reduced wrist extension. Natalia’s global right arm function is severely reduced, with only some useful activity in elbow flexion and a weak pinch grip between the thumb and the index finger. She is mainly unable to use the right arm in daily activities, as well as in sports or other possible hobby activities. She also suffers from pain which is somewhat unusual after an obstetric brachial plexus injury, but it makes her situation more severe.
In 2006, on examination Natalia was diagnosed with a mild left sided curvature in the mid-back region. The scoliosis was monitored over a few years before settlement negotiations could begin in earnest. As no deterioration appeared to have taken place in the intervening years, her legal team and her parents agreed that her claim could be settled.
Natalie will have very little use of her right arm and hand throughout her life, together with disturbing pain. The situation will have a serious effect on her future life; professionally, cosmetically, as well as in hobby and leisure activities. However, despite her obvious disability, Natalie is a keen swimmer and has recently trialled for the British Disabled Swimming team. She has set her sights on representing the UK in the 2016 Paralympics. We look forward to cheering her on as she represents her Country in the years to come.
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