As a result of his delivery at London’s St. George’s Hospital in 2004, Leo Whiten suffered severe brain damage that requires others to take care of him. The boy is now seven years old, and he and his family claimed damages against the hospital for personal injury and financial losses because of the negligence shown to Leo’s mother and the birthing process. According to the UK’s The Independent, Judges in the case determined that Leo will never be able to live independently, will not be capable of employment and will not have the mental capacity to handle his own affairs. In fact, Leo has limited mobility, cannot walk or stand unaided and has no functional speech due to the birth injury.
The defendant in the case admitted that their breach of duty in the birthing in September 2005, and finally admitted that the breach of duty caused the claimant’s injury in March 2006. Leo won a lump sum of 2.7 million pounds, with the promise of additional annual payments ensuring the boy’s care for the rest of his life.
Though the money received from the lawsuit will not enable Leo to enjoy the same activities as his fellow seven-year-olds, at least his family will be able to make him more comfortable and afford him as many opportunities as possible.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP–birth trauma attorney
