Carolyn Lowe of Henmans LLP acts for Ciaran Dill, aged 7, who has been awarded a multimillion-pound settlement as a result of negligent care afforded to him during his birth at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital in July 2004.
The hospital’s failure to deliver him quickly enough has left Ciaran with severe injuries, which he will carry with him for the rest of his life. He is unable to walk or talk and suffers with severe learning difficulties, and epilepsy. He also has orthopaedic problems and is partially sighted.
The Trust made a full admission of liability and accepted that the care provided to Ciaran and his mother had been of a poor standard and that this had resulted in Ciaran suffering a severe brain injury.
At the High Court last Thursday the Trust’s legal representative apologised for the mistakes that were made by the obstetric department at the hospital and expressed their sorrow at such a devastating outcome for Ciaran and his family.
The compensation payment is now controlled by the Court of Protection and Zandra Houston of Henmans has been appointed as Ciaran’s Professional Deputy. This money will be used to pay for adapted accommodation, which Ciaran now desperately needs.
Yearly payments will also be paid for the rest of Ciaran’s life to cover the cost of 24-hour care.
Carolyn Lowe, clinical negligence lawyer at Henmans LLP commented, “Ciaran’s mother and litigation friend, Jennifer Dill has devoted herself to the care of her son over the past 7 years. As Ciaran has grown this has become increasingly difficult and the settlement reached has provided some comfort to her in that Ciaran’s needs will now be provided for in the future.”
Jennifer Dill, Ciaran’s mother added, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our legal team, especially Carolyn Lowe at Henmans for bringing Luton & Dunstable Hospital accountable for their mistakes in the mismanagement of Ciaran's birth in July 2004.
The pain and distress caused by this hospital over the past seven years has been extremely hard to deal with at times and no parent should have to endure this.
Although the trust have made apologies it doesn't change the fact we continue to live with their mistakes and that no amount of money can ever take away Ciaran's disability or pain he will endure throughout his life.
I sincerely hope that the Luton & Dunstable hospital has truly learnt from their mistakes and that no other child has to suffer in the same way ours has.”