A MAN who suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’ which left him wheelchair-bound after his birth at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital has been given a £5.7m NHS payout.
Ian Murphy suffered a brain injury which resulted in severe cerebral palsy during his birth on September 15, 1977. Mr Murphy, from Oxford, needs help with day-to-day living, communication and socialising.
Last night, the South Central Strategic Health Authority, which dealt with the compensation claim against the JR, apologised to Mr Murphy.
A spokesman added: “Terms of a settlement have been agreed in relation to Ian Murphy’s claim which, due to the historic nature of the claim, is against the Strategic Health Authority.
“We would like to apologise to Ian and his family for the injuries sustained during his delivery.”
At present Mr Murphy is cared for by his parents, who only realised he might be eligible for compensation after they enquired about suitable accommodation for him when they are no longer able to care for him.
A hearing took place at the Royal Court of Justice yesterday.
The money, which will be paid in a lump sum and in annual payments for the rest of Mr Murphy’s life, will go towards paying for his care and aids and appliances.
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