
Forbes Solicitors has launched a clinical negligence awareness campaign after representing a mother whose daughter was left with severe cerebral palsy after complications during birth.
The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the effects of brain injury and how it can be caused by medical negligence. It is also designed to highlight how making a claim can help to improve not only quality of life, but also provide a wider support network for those affected.
Forbes started working on the campaign after the firm represented Angela Boreham (pictured), whose daughter, Leona, was brain injured during birth in 2001. Delay in delivery and failure to proceed to caesarean section during the birth of Leona unfortunately caused her to suffer from brain damage and she now requires constant care.
The award for damages was approved by the High Court, Preston District Registry and Forbes continues to work with the family to oversee the funds from the compensation, ensuring that Leona receives adequate care throughout her lifetime.
As part of the campaign Angela is featured in a video where she talks about her ordeal and how this level of negligence has had an impact on everyday life for not just Leona, but for the whole family. She also explains how she was able to use the compensation to specially adapt her house and garden in order to make Leona feel as comfortable as possible, as well as paying for high-quality medical equipment and various physiotherapy sessions.
Forbes has also put together a downloadable information guide for people to read up on different types of brain injuries. Additionally, it has created a knowledge quiz which will enable people to test themselves on how much they know about the subject.
Speaking about the case that inspired the campaign, clinical negligence solicitor Leonie Millard said: “This is a tragic case where Leona’s disablement is at the top end of severity and it is testament to the family that she has battled through and has outlived her life expectancy.
“Leona comes from a close knit family unit and the compensation assists every day in meeting her needs. The family live in an adapted family home, purchased from and maintained from the damages award, achieved against strong and consistent denials of wrong doing from the hospital.”