Lifetime Of Care Secured For Girl Following Clinical Negligence Compensation Settlement
19/07/2011
The family of a girl, who was left with severe brain damage following serious medical errors during her birth, have spoken of their relief after a settlement was agreed to provide her with a lifetime of around-the-clock care.
Sophie Clarke, 12, from South Wales, suffers from cerebral palsy after a catalogue of medical errors during her birth. Following a hearing at Cardiff District Registry, she will receive a settlement equivalent to almost £5 million over her lifetime to ensure she can have as normal a life as possible, in spite of her condition.
Sophie was the victim of a series of errors at the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, before she was born. Hospital staff failed to recognise that a CTG Trace showed gross abnormality of her heart rate, which meant she should have been delivered earlier. They failed to intervene and let the birth progress naturally, a decision that proved to be costly, as oxygen starvation caused Sophie’s cerebral palsy.
Suzanne Munroe, a medical law and patients’ rights specialist from Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, said: “It’s great news that the Clarke family now have access to the funding which will ensure Sophie gets the best possible care and rehabilitation throughout her life. I hope all of the family can now look forward to a brighter future together.”
Commenting on the outcome, Lynne Clarke, from Pontyclun, South Wales said: “It has been an incredibly hard few years for the family, but to know that our daughter will always be looked after is a huge relief for us all.
“While no amount of money will repair the damage done, we now have a chance to move on with our lives and focus all of our energies on Sophie, ensuring that she gets as much out of life as possible.
Suzanne added: “The brain injuries suffered by Sophie mean that she is entirely immobile, will be wheelchair-dependent for life and has to be fed through a gastro tube.
“The extent and complexity of the problems faced by Sophie mean the funding which has been secured will ensure she can access 24-hour care, and rehabilitation and therapy services that will prove invaluable throughout her day-to-day life.
“It also means that her family can guarantee she has accommodation adapted to meet her everyday needs.
“However, while the settlement is welcome news it is important that the compensation Sophie will now receive from the Trust is not seen as a lottery win. The funds will be carefully managed by Irwin Mitchell's Court of Protection team to ensure Sophie has access to care she will need for the rest of her life.”
The family do not wish to comment further. If you have any questions please contact the Irwin Mitchell press office on 0114 274 4666 or email pressoffice@irwinmitchell.com
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