Solihull couple say £3m hospital payout will secure future for daughter
A couple who won a £3 million payout for their disabled daughter after she suffered injuries at birth have spoken about their relief that her future will be secure.
Helen Walker, from Solihull, has needed constant care since her birth after her mother Maureen endured a very prolonged delivery at Birmingham Women’s Hospital in July 1972.
Her parents Maureen and Michael, who she lives with in Hansell Drive, Dorridge, had just got on with supporting their daughter until they found out they had a claim 10 years ago and began proceedings.
Yesterday they won £3 million at London’s High Court from West Midlands Strategic Health Authority.
The authority’s counsel, Terence Coghlan QC, said that it greatly regretted the negligence which was admitted and wished the family well.
Ms Walker will receive her award by means of lifelong periodic payments, which will amount to about £3 million.
Solicitor Tom Cook, who was representing the Walker family, said: “Helen is a happy young woman given her circumstances, and her family love her and look after her very well.
“She attends a day centre, but specialist care of the kind she needs and which might make a difference to her quality of life is extremely expensive.
“Our claim against the hospital seeks to provide a financial settlement which will provide for her future.
“Her parents are aware that the time will eventually come when they won’t be there to look after her and they are concerned to ensure that her future is secure.
“Accordingly, the award is mainly to be paid in annual instalments for the rest of her life. Its actual value will depend on how long she lives but her support needs should be met in the meantime.
