Parents of Brian-Damaged Boy To Receive $6.6 Million from Hospital
When it comes to delivering babies, we can sometimes think that Britain has it better-better healthcare system; better birthing procedures. But a recent story from England proves that traumatic birth injuries can occur in even highly developed European countries.
Leo Whiting, now 7, suffered “catastrophic injuries” as he was being delivered at a hospital in London in 2004, according to a recent BBC report. Several delays led to Leo being starved of oxygen, and as a consequence severely brain-damaged. The injuries were so severe that they left Leo incapacitated for life; unable to walk or stand on his own. An Evening Standard report indicated that Leo has cerebral palsy.
In what can be an usual move in England, Leo’s parents sued the National Health Service for personal injury and financial losses. They claimed that the hospital where Leo was delivered, St. George’s, should be held responsible for Leo’s healthcare over a lifetime.
A justice at a High Court Hearing agreed, saying Leo “will never be able to live independently, will not be capable of any form of employment, and will never have the necessary mental capacity to be able to manage his own affairs.” She ordered the St. George’s Healthcare Trust to pay a lump sum of $2.7 million, as well as additional annual payments that will total over $3 million.
While this was certainly a victory for Leo’s parents, I have to wonder if this was an adequate punishment for a lifetime of suffering. At the very least, I hope the doctors who delivered Leo received a real wake-up call, about the consequences of not correctly monitoring a delivery.
Related:
Parents Settle Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Where Child Suffers Brain Injury At Birth
8-Year-Old Quadriplegic Awarded $29 Million in Medical Malpractice Case
No comments yet
Start the discussion by using the form below