Cerebral Palsy Client Receives Multi-million Pound Settlement

Aaron Tring was starved of oxygen at birth in Nottingham 26 years ago. As a result he suffers from cerebral palsy and is severely disabled. His claim for compensation was concluded in the High Court this week by Malcolm Goff. The Hospital has acknowledged the errors that occurred when Aaron was born. Compensation will provide his family with the reassurance that his complex needs will be provided for throughout his life.

Aaron’s parents were always assured by the Hospital that nothing could have been done to prevent his severe disability but when we undertook investigations, medical experts agreed that there were delays when Aaron was born and if he had been born a few minutes earlier his brain damage would have been prevented.

Aaron comes from a very close family and is a vital part of that family. Whilst it is very sad to see him so disabled, Aaron’s sense of humour and fun make him rewarding to be with and is the reason why carers so enjoy their work with Aaron. He needs to be stimulated and enjoys going to comedy shows, theme parks and nights out with his family. He loves going on holiday and being able to use a swimming pool.

You may have seen Aaron and his parents on East Midlands Today and may have read about them in the Nottingham Evening Post (http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Millions-man-disabled-QMC/story-12807300-detail/story.html). Aaron’s case highlights the injustice of withdrawal of legal aid for clinical negligence cases. On the day after the High Court had approved Aaron’s compensation award, Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke announced that it was the Government’s intention to withdraw legal aid in cases such as this. It is most unlikely that Aaron would have been able to pursue this matter without the benefit of legal aid. In fact the Legal Services Commission will recoup all of the legal aid payments made on account in this case as the Defendants have been ordered to pay all of Aaron’s legal costs.

The Judge paid tribute to Aaron’s parents and family, who were all at Court to see the case concluded.