A compensation settlement has been obtained for a young man who suffered permanent brain damage as...
A compensation settlement has been obtained for a young man who suffered permanent brain damage as a boy due to a delay in diagnosing a blocked shunt.
He had been born with congenital aqueduct stenosis, a condition that blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid between the ventricles of the brain. He had had a shunt inserted to manage his condition.
When he was 11, he was admitted to hospital with symptoms of a blocked shunt. A delay in tapping the shunt reservoir led to a rise in pressure within the brain. He suffered a stroke affecting the right side of his brain, causing permanent brain damage. He suffers from cognitive impairment, reduced vision in both eyes, and motor and sensory difficulties. Although his injuries have had a substantial impact on his day-to-day life, he has gone on to study at university.
A claim was brought against the NHS trust responsible for the hospital, which accepted that the delay in treating him had been a breach of duty and had caused his injuries. Following negotiations, a settlement of £580,000 was agreed. This will fund his ongoing care and treatment needs and help to support him and his family.