Fast-track compensation must also be the right amount of compensation for babies injured by the NHS at birth, lawyers have warned today (17 October).

Reacting to news that the Government is to consult on a ‘rapid resolution and redress’scheme, Neil Sugarman, president of APIL, said: “Compensation for these catastrophic injuries has a very clear purpose and, in these cases in particular, it is critical that the right amount of compensation is made available to injured children to ensure they receive the care they desperately need.

“We have yet to see the details of the consultation, but we will be reminding the Department of Health that children suffering cerebral palsy and brain damage at birth need round-the-clock medical care, specialist equipment and support for the rest of their lives.  

“The fact that the number of claims for these injuries has barely changed in the past ten years is a national scandal, and we welcome any attempt to improve this situation and the legal process which families have to navigate,” Mr Sugarman went on. “But not at any price.” 

-ends-

Notes to editors:

• APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) is a not-for-profit organisation whose members are dedicated to campaigning for improvements in the law to help people who are injured or become ill through no fault of their own.
• For more information contact APIL's press and communications officer Jane Hartwell on t: 0115 943 5416, out of hours: 07808 768623, e: [email protected], or Lizzy Freeman, assistant press and communications officer, on t: 0115 943 5431, e: [email protected].
• Visit the association's website at www.apil.org.uk.
• •Follow @APIL on Twitter: www.twitter.com/APIL.