£6.5 Million for Girl Brain Damaged at Birth

A schoolgirl who suffered severe brain damage at birth has been awarded a compensation package worth £6.5 million.

Rhiannon Hayman, 15, was starved of oxygen during her birth at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend and now has severe cerebral palsy. She was born in the ‘breach’ position and hospital staff failed to deliver a reasonable standard of care.

Ms Hayman is unable to talk, feed herself or walk without assistance. She requires around-the-clock care and will be unable to live an independent life. The judge paid tribute to her family for the devoted care they have given her and the considerable sacrifices they have made in order to look after her.

In the High Court, the Health Board admitted liability and made an unreserved apology to Ms Hayman and her family for the failures in managing Mrs Hayman’s labour. A settlement was agreed, made up of a lump sum of £2 million plus annual periodic payments of between £105,000 and £160,000 for the rest of Ms Hayman’s life. The compensation package was approved by the Court.

Whilst the money cannot change what happened to Ms Hayman, it will enable her family to pay for the equipment and ongoing care she requires.