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Cerebral Palsy Twins Win £6 Million Compensation

Twins who were left facing a lifetime of disability by medical complications during their premature birth in 1999 have between them won almost £6 million in damages from the NHS to pay for the lifetime of care and assistance they will need.

Lawyers representing the boy and girl argued that doctors should have realised that their mother was in premature labour after she attended hospital with stomach pains. It was submitted that drugs should have been administered to delay their delivery and to enable their lungs to become stronger before their birth.

Both twins suffer from cerebral palsy and are wheelchair dependent. The boy's compensation claim was settled for £2 million by the West Hertfordshire NHS Trust in 2011; however, it has taken three more years to reach a compromise in the girl's case.

Her compensation package is worth approximately £3.9 million and is made up of a £1.9 million lump sum as well as annual, index-linked and tax-free payments to cover the costs of her care for life. The Trust also agreed to pay £160,000 to the twins' parents in recognition of their 15 years of unstinting care.

The twins attended court to hear the settlement approved by a judge. The family's barrister said, "This draws this part of the saga to a close for the family. They no longer need to look back on the events and the consequences but can now look forward to the rest of their lives and the lives of these wonderful children."

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If you or a member of your family suffers damage as a result of negligent medical treatment, we can help you obtain an appropriate settlement. Contact us to discuss your claim.
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