Man wins over 1.6m compensation in clinical negligence case

A man who suffered a seizure hours after his birth has secured a payout of £1,635,000, the Romford Recorder reports.

Jon O'Hanlon was born at Harold Wood Hospital, which is situated in Romford, Essex, in August 1986.

By the time his condition was diagnosed and treated, he had already suffered serious brain damage.

Mr O'Hanlon developed cerebral palsy, is profoundly deaf and has limited eyesight.

He also has serious cognitive impairments and will require 24-hour supervision for the rest of his life.

During a recent high court hearing, the 21-year-old's legal representative said that his suffering had been due to the "admitted negligence" of hospital staff in the hours following his birth.

The north-east London Strategic Health Authority accepted liability and agreed to the lump sum.

In addition, it will make annual index-linked payments of £90,000 to cover the costs of Mr O'Hanlon's care.

08/07/2008 15:28