GBP10million for birth injury case
13 Feb 2012
A mother has been awarded a multimillion-pound compensation payout
after her son received a
birth injury caused by failures in care
before and during delivery.
Tracy Scotton from Maidstone was offered a payout of GBP10million
after Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust admitted liability
for mistakes which led to complications, resulting in her son
needing round the clock care.
Complications arose during the birth of William James David Scotton
at Maidstone Hospital in August 2007 because of his large size, as
he weighed 11lb 10oz.
He was starved of oxygen during the delivery, and eventually needed
an emergency caesarean, but sustained injuries which led him to be
quadriplegic, blind and epileptic.
Ms Scotton claimed that she should have been referred to an
obstetrician for specialist care when a 34-week check estimated
William's weight as eight pounds.
At the High Court the NHS Trust agreed to pay GBP2.6million as a
lump sum, with annual payments for the rest of his life to cover
the cost of his care.
These yearly payouts could be between GBP89,000 and GBP212,500,
with the Trust also agreeing to pay for special schooling for
William if Kent County Council is unable to provide it.
After the hearing, Ms Scotton said: "I am relieved it is finally
over."
Earlier this month Smita Patel was also awarded a
multimillion-pound payout for mistakes during her pregnancy,
resulting in serious disabilities for her son.
North West London Hospital NHS Trust agreed to pay GBP6million for
errors they made with Ms Patel in 1982.
