A FAMILY whose daughter was brain damaged at birth has been awarded £10 million after a 22-year battle for compensation.
The High Court awarded the multi-million pound payout to the parents of a woman who has severe cerebral palsy due to oxygen starvation during her birth at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham.
The family, who cannot be identified due to a court order, were then living in Nottingham sued the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority.
The High Court yesterday ruled that the family should receive a £2.75 million lump sum, plus £150,000 a year to cover the costs of care and support.
The family's legal team said the total value would be £10 million, assuming the woman lived until she was 70.
Her parents, who were in court, sued the health authority for "negligent mismanagement" of the birth.
Their legal team said the 22-year-old's disabilities would have been avoided had hospital staff accelerated her delivery. But because of delays, she suffered permanent brain damage, said her barrister, Jane Mishcon.
The woman is in a wheelchair and has severe learning difficulties, but was described as a "very strong-willed character" with a passionate desire for independence.
Miss Mishcon commended her parents for their "22 years of selfless love and devotion".
Describing her as a "splendid young woman", Margaret Bowron QC, for the health authority, said: "She has made absolutely the best of what life has thrown at her."
Mrs Justice Slade approved the settlement and praised the parents, saying: "They are to be congratulated and honoured."
Describing the claimant, she told the court: "She is a very remarkable young woman, who wishes to be as independent as possible and lead as full a life as possible."
The East Midlands Strategic Health Authority ceased operating in March. Its responsibilities were transferred to the NHS Commissioning Board.
The Department of Health said: "The NHS remains one of the safest health care systems in the world but there are rare occasions when care falls below acceptable standards."
