£7.5m payout for disabled boy after parents settle damages claim

By Brian Farmer, Reporter13th November 2023News EnglandCare Standards, Courts / Justice, Disabilities, Long Term Care / Conditions, News England, NHS, Primary Care / GP's

A severely disabled eight-year-old boy is to get a £7.5 million payout after his parents settled a damages claim, a judge has heard.

Lawyers representing the boy, who has spinal cord damage and requires 24-hour care, had issued legal proceedings against two GPs, Judge Emma Kelly was told.

The judge heard how the boy had developed a spinal cyst several years ago and was told that his parents had complained about a “referral” delay.

She approved a settlement at a High Court hearing in London on Monday.

Lawyers representing all parties told her that the settlement package included a £7.5 million payout and periodical payments.

The judge said the boy, who lives in the home counties, could not be identified in media reports of the case.

Lawyer Jane Weakley, who advised the boy’s parents and is based at law firm Fieldfisher, said after the hearing: “This settlement comes as a huge relief to the parents, who have worked tirelessly to support and encourage their son to enjoy life and thrive despite his disability.”

She said specialist Fieldfisher lawyers would manage the award to ensure that the boy had “security for life”.

The boy’s father said, in a statement issued through Fieldfisher: “I now know that mistakes could have been prevented for him, that medical decisions had not been made correctly and delays had occurred.

“I take solace that our son will be able to move forward in life positively and proactively.”

His mother added: “We will never be able to change what has happened, or replace the time that our son and family have lost.”

But she went on: “Knowing that our son will have access to all the care and therapies needed to slow down the additional medical complications brings us some comfort and reassurance.”