Litigation Personal Injury 12/11/96

Page v Kingston & Richmond Health Authority - QBD, 30 October 1996

Claimant: Jacqueline Maria Le Page, 29

Incident: Medical negligence

Injuries: Claimant gave birth to twin girls at Kingston Hospital, 1 May 1990. Following delivery she underwent a sub-total hysterectomy which was necessary to save her life. However, it was contended that the life-threatening condition giving rise to the necessity for the hysterectomy was the result of medical negligence and that speedier action would have rendered operation unnecessary. Claim based on lack of ability to have further children coupled with psychiatric impact of episode and breakdown of her marriage.

Award: £45,000

Judge: John Samuels QC (sitting as deputy judge of the Queens Bench Division)

Counsel for plaintiff: Peter Latham

Solicitors for plaintiff: Sheridan & Co, Kingston

Counsel for Defendant: David Evans



Murfin v Rotherham Health Authority - QBD, 1 October 1996

Claimant: Penny Murfin, 17

Incident: Medical negligence

Injuries: Claimant suffered acute hypoxic brain damage during her delivery at Rotherham’s Moorgate Hospital in January 1979. Liability admitted. Court told she was ’a remarkable young lady despite her terrible disabilities’. Is cared for by her parents but managed to communicate with the judge by use of computer aids. Court also told it is considered she will be legally capable of managing her own affairs. Of the award, £991,000 to be paid into a structured investment fund. Other money to be spent converting her home.

Award: £2.25m (agreed)

Judge: Mrs Justice Smith

Counsel for plaintiff: Charles Chruszcz QC

Solicitors for plaintiff: Irwin Mitchell (Sheffield)



Marsh v North Derbyshire Health Authority - QBD, 1 October 1996

Claimant: Thomas Marsh, Incident: Medical negligence

Injuries: Claimant suffered oxygen starvation during delivery at Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital in March 1989 with resultant severe brain damage. Liability admitted by health authority.

Award: £1.4m (agreed)

Judge: Mrs Justice Smith

Counsel for plaintiff: Charles Chruszcz QC

Solicitors for plaintiff: Irwin Mitchell (Sheffield)