Disabled boy receives £8m payout

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A nine-year-old West Midlands boy who was left disabled after being deprived of oxygen at birth has been awarded £8m compensation.

Owen Johnson has choreoathetoid cerebral palsy after sustaining brain damage during his birth at Dudley's Wordsley Hospital.

Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust accepted that failures were made during his delivery on 18 April, 1999.

The sum, awarded at Birmingham's High Court, will pay for his long-term care.

Lawyers said the trust admitted an obstetrician was not called to examine an abnormal indication of foetal distress, leading to a period of near total asphyxiation.

Mother's anger

The settlement includes a lump sum of £2m which will be followed by annual payments.

The judge, Mr Justice Walker, paid tribute to Owen and his parents and said he hoped with the benefit of the settlement he would be "well equipped for the best possible future".

Owen's mother, Sally Johnson, said: "I am relieved that today's settlement will mean that Owen can be cared for in the way he needs, for the rest of his life.

"I still feel angry that simple mistakes, which should never have happened, led to Owen's condition.

"If I'd received better care he would have been born without the problems that limit so much of what he is able to do."

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Owen Johnson's mother has spoken about his cerebral palsy

Owen's condition means he is unable to dress or feed himself properly and he also has problems with mobility and balance.

Mrs Johnson added her son has an "inquiring mind" and loves visiting museums and going to the park.

She said: "Owen is constantly challenging himself and those around him.

"He's a really determined little boy and is never satisfied just sitting around."