Girl Awarded Settlement for Brain Injury at Birth

A 12-year-old girl who suffered a devastating brain injury shortly after her birth is to receive a settlement worth £7.3 million from the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

Danielle Marshall was born prematurely at 31 weeks in 1999. She was making progress in the special care baby unit when she suffered a collapsed lung. Medical staff failed to respond quickly enough, with the result that Danielle suffered serious injury owing to a lack of oxygen to her brain.

Danielle now suffers from cerebral palsy and learning difficulties and also experiences problems with eating and speaking. She cannot sit unaided but is able to operate an electric wheelchair.

It is thought that Danielle will never be able to sit, stand or walk without assistance and so will not be able to work or live independently.

The NHS Trust apologised for the poor quality of the treatment Danielle received and agreed a compensation settlement with her family. This has now been approved by the court and consists of a lump sum of almost £3 million plus annual payments. The money will enable the family to buy a property that can be adapted to meet Danielle’s specific needs and provide the care and specialist equipment necessary for her to lead as full a life as possible.