Man left with brain damage wins right to seek compensation (From Southend Standard)

Man left with brain damage wins right to seek compensation

8:44am Thursday 31st May 2012 in Echo News

A MAN left brain damaged after birth has finally won the right to seek millions of pounds in compensation.

David Fawdrey, 20, was born by emergency caesarean at Basildon Hospital in December 1991, but was diagnosed with acute brain damage soon after, which his lawyers blamed on oxygen starvation during the latter stages of his delivery.

Yesterday, London’s High Court approved a settlement which will secure him a compensation package worth “several million” to cover the cost of his future care.

Mr Fawdrey – suing through his parents Richard and Sioban – claimed damages for alleged negligence from the East of England Strategic Health authority which managed Basildon Hospital at the time. It had denied liability.

It was alleged Mr Fawdrey’s brain injuries were caused by medics delaying his delivery during its critical final stages.

However, experts for the NHS said the damage had already been done by that time.

Mr Fawdrey’s legal team said the health authority had reached a compromise over the liability issues by guaranteeing to pay him 70 per cent of his compensation.

After the hearing, Mr Fawdrey’s parents, who live in Sussex with their son, said: “David will be able to fund the support and care he will need for the rest of his life.

“However, no amount of money will make up for the impact of his injuries on him and our family.”