Disabled girl wins payout over Norwich hospital birth

A girl who suffered from oxygen starvation during her birth at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital has won the right to millions in compensation from the NHS. The girl, Georgina Archer, aged 17, of Norwich, now suffers from mild tetraplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and mobility and communication problems, the High Court heard. The case was argued by the lawyers that there was a fatal error and failure by the hospital to arrange a caesarean in time to save her from permanent brain damage. Compensation has been agreed to be paid by the East of England Strategic Health Authority. The health authority did dispute responsibility relating to the issue but agreed to pay out the compensation after accepting 95% liability. The final sum of compensation has yet to be agreed and is being assessed by the lawyers. It is believed that Georgina Archer is now due to receive between 4m and 5m in compensation for her pain and suffering, loss of earning and to cover the costs of a lifetime of care needs. The case was presented in front of Mrs Justice Sharp who gave the approval for the settlement on the issue of liability. The 5% deduction was agreed to reflect the inherent risks which were involved in a contested trial. The health authoritys QC, Margaret Brown has stated to the judge that her clients were delighted with claim settlement agreement.