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£4million awarded to cerebral palsy teen

An 18-year-old woman whose mishandling at birth led to severe cerebral palsy is to receive £4million in medical negligence compensation.

The woman, who cannot legally be identified, brought High Court proceedings against Rochford Hospital with the help of her family and expert solicitors.

In 1992, medical failings during the woman's birth meant she was destined to live her life in the confines of a wheelchair, dependant on the help of others as she can no longer speak and suffers from learning difficulties.

Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust this month agreed to a settlement of her case valued at around £4m, accepting liability for the resulting disabilities.

The judge approved the "fair and reasonable" agreed settlement which involves a lump sum of £1.6 million and annual payments starting at £140,000 and rising to £175,000 as the teenager grows older.

After the award, the girl's solicitor revealed how the money would be put to good use and called on fellow victims of medical negligence to step forward and claim compensation.

"She is now welcoming assistance and has found a house to move into," she said. "So we are hoping that within a few months they will have a new home, a care package in place and the future will be as rosy as it can be in these difficult circumstances."