Hospital blunder boy wins millions

Aug 10 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

A YOUNGSTER left with cerebral palsy after being starved of oxygen at birth is set to be awarded millions of pounds in damages after a seven-year legal battle.

The family of eight-year-old Owen Johnson, of Springfield Crescent, Oakham, Dudley, are now awaiting settlement after Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust admitted liability.

Birmingham-based solicitors Irwin Mitchell, which has been fighting on behalf of the family, said: "Owen's case is still ongoing, although a liability settlement in his favour has now been approved by the High Court in Birmingham, against Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust.

"This paves the way for a compensation settlement, which is expected to be worth several million pounds. We hope the case will finally be resolved within months."

Owen's mother Sally Johnson, aged 33, said she and her husband Paul, aged 40, were pleased that the long-running legal case was now nearing a conclusion.

Mrs Johnson said: "Owen's mobility has improved a lot over the past couple of years but he has still got a lot of problems.

"No amount of money will compensate for what happened to Owen but at least this money will mean he will be looked after for the rest of his life."

A spokesman for Irwin Mitchell said that during labour, hospital staff failed to examine an abnormal CTG trace which showed foetal distress.

Paul Farenden, chief executive of the Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We are pleased that the court has approved the agreement reached between the parties in respect of the treatment received at the time of Owen's delivery," he added.

"The parties are now working towards agreeing a settlement."