NHS Patient Awarded Compensation of up to £10.5 Million

A mental health patient who had been admitted to Hospital after self-harming has been awarded compensation which may eventually rise to £10.5 million following a High Court hearing.

The man, who cannot be identified due to an order of anonymity made by the Court, was left with catastrophic injuries after jumping from a roof at the hospital. He suffered severe brain damage and spinal injuries. He is now confined to a wheelchair, as a result.

The Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who were responsible for the care of the patient, admitted 80% liability for the incident following court proceedings. They accepted that the man should not have been allowed to gain access to the roof, something that he had twice previously also managed to do, according to evidence that emerged in court.

The court settlement ensured that the injured man received an immediate lump sum payment of £3 million compensation. In addition, significant annual care payments for the rest of the man’s life were awarded under the terms of the settlement, together with further sums for future treatment and care. The final compensation figure is likely rise to as much as £10.5 million.

Spencers Solicitors of Chesterfield in Derbyshire acted on behalf of the injured man. Robert Landman, Spencers Managing Director said;

This was a hugely complex and distressing case. I am very proud of the extreme professionalism, legal skill and empathetic approach that our serious personal injury team brought to bear to achieve this very substantial settlement for our client and his family. Our team worked tirelessly over many years to ensure a satisfactory outcome to the case. When members of the public see such large amounts of compensation being awarded, they can get the impression that this is akin to a ‘Lottery Win.’ That could not be further from the truth in a case like this. This young man received horrendous injuries which will have a hugely adverse effect on his quality of life, for the rest of his life. He will require constant care throughout. The settlement though means that financially, his needs will always be catered for.

Following the court hearing the NHS trust, through its barrister, Alexander Hutton QC said that it was ‘extremely sorry’ for what had happened.

About the Author - Helen Reynolds

Helen is a Chartered Legal Executive within our Serious Injury Team. Helen, who joined the business in 2000, was admitted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 2006. She has extensive experience of dealing with personal injury claims having worked within the claimant personal injury field for over fifteen years. Helen is a specialist in complex and serious injuries including head, brain and spinal cord injuries. Helen works closely with clients at each stage of the claim to provide the support and advice they need every step of the way.