Boy’s £2.4m pay out after blunder
NEWS: News.
A LITTLE boy has won a multi-million pound compensation package after suffering catastrophic disabilities when a hospital drug led to his brain being starved of oxygen during his birth.
Darryl Munashe Kupahurasa, aged six, who was born at Doncaster Royal Infirmary in 2007, suffers from cerebral palsy after inappropriate use of the artificial hormone, Cintocinon, caused his mother to experience super-strength contractions, resulting in her baby suffering brain damage.
As a result, Darryl’s lawyers say, he will never be able to walk or talk and he will suffer ongoing severe cognitive and learning difficulties.
Darryl sued Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through his mother, Portia Kupahurasa, of Bernard Road, Edlington, claiming negligence caused his injuries.
The Trust did not contest liability and David Pittaway QC apologised to the family as Mr Justice Supperstone approved a settlement in the form of a £2.45 million lump sum, plus substantial annual payments to cover the enormous costs of Darryl’s care for life.
Simon Taylor QC, Darryl’s barrister, described him as ‘chirpy, personable and very much loved’ despite his severe disabilities.
He told the judge the lump sum was likely to be spent mainly ‘on accommodation, transport and other equipment’ needed to make the youngster’s life as comfortable as possible.
Mr Taylor said care would be paid for using the annual payments, which will rise gradually and reach £192,000 a year after Darryl leaves school.
Mr Pittaway said: “I apologise on behalf of the trust to the parents for the tragic circumstances which led to their son’s disabilities.
“Secondly I would like to pay tribute to them.
“Although these damages cannot in any way put the clock back, we hope that the settlement will at least make Darryl’s life more comfortable. We wish the family all the best for the future.”
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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