The child, who will spend her life in a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, sustained brain damage due to a 15-minute delay in conducting an emergency Caesarean section when there was a significant drop in the child’s heart rate. The settlement along with the Trust’s apology, comes late for the family who had to navigate complex medical and caregiving responsibilities with limited financial support for the first 13 years of their daughter’s life. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of prompt and accurate medical interventions and the necessity for health trusts to act transparently when failures occur. Medical negligence cases of this nature are incredibly complex and it is essential that victims and their families instruct the right team of legal experts who have experience in dealing with these tragic cases. Often victims of a traumatic brain injury are left with a wide range of medical problems which will require intensive and lengthy rehabilitation for many years. Some may also be dependent for the rest of their lives. The amount awarded in compensation to this young girl’s family reflects the fact that the costs of care in Northern Ireland have trebled in recent years and the fact that those who have suffered such significant injuries will require 24/7 case for the rest of their lives. If the victim was an innocent party to the accident then they will likely be entitled to substantial financial compensation for their injuries and consequential financial loss. At Francis Hanna & Co we have long history of acting for clients involved in medical negligence cases such as these. It is essential to instruct a firm of solicitors with the necessary experience to advise you on all aspects of any potential claim. If someone you know has been the victim of a serious accident and has sustained such a brain injury, please telephone us for further information or for a free, no obligation consultation on 028 9024 3901 or email us on info@fhanna.co.uk. BBC News has reported details of one of the largest medical negligence compensation settlements ever recorded in Northern Ireland. The Western Health & Social Care Trust is to pay £21 million in compensation to the family of a 13-year-old girl who suffered brain damage during her birth due to her delivery being delayed.