'Record award' for birth damage

Matthew King was starved of oxygen when he was born

An eight-year-old boy who was brain damaged at birth has been awarded £5.75m in damages.

The payout to Matthew King is believed to be the highest agreed amount awarded to somebody with cerebral palsy.

Matthew, who needs round the clock care, was starved of oxygen when he was born at Buckland Hospital in Dover, Kent, in November 1995.

South Kent Hospitals NHS Trust admitted liability for his injuries in August 1998, but the valuation of his claim was deferred until his seventh birthday so his needs could be properly assessed.

Despite his clearly devastating injuries, I was so pleased to read in the reports of a very bright and alert little boy Judge Mrs Justice Cox

Judge Mrs Justice Cox, at the High Court, said Matthew, who lives with his parents Robert and Ruth, had some of the most severe physical disabilities seen in such cases.

The court heard Matthew needed supervision in every aspect of his daily life, but was intellectually unimpaired and had a high life expectancy.

Mrs Justice Cox told his family: "Despite his clearly devastating injuries, I was so pleased to read in the reports a description of a very bright and alert little boy who smiled.

"It goes without saying that so much of his progress and hope for the future is due to your unstinting care, love and support.

"The burden on you we know is immeasurable, but you deserve great credit for all you have done and continue to do for Matthew."

'Sincere apologies'

Matthew's parents have said they are relieved the case has been resolved and are pleased Matthew has the financial security he will need for the rest of his life.

East Kent Hospitals Trust issued a statement after the hearing.

It said: "East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust offers its sincere apologies to Matthew and to his family for the injuries he has suffered.

"The defendant has dealt with this complicated case expeditiously.

"An admission of breach of duty was made at an early stage and substantial interim payments have been made during the course of the claim to assist Matthew and his family.

"The trust appreciates that monetary compensation will never be totally adequate in these circumstances.

"But it sincerely hopes that the damages which have been agreed will help in some measure to alleviate the hardship for Matthew and his family."