Sam Cooper at the family home in Alexandra Crescent, Bromley

A THIRTEEN-year-old boy left mentally and physically handicapped becauseof his botched delivery at birth has won a £1 million settlement fromBromley Health Authority.

Sam Cooper, of Alexandra Crescent, Bromley, is severely and permanentlyhandicapped due to oxygen starvation during his birth at FarnboroughHospital in July 1985.

He sued the Health Authority through his father in an action started in1992. An out-of-court settlement of £1 million was approved by HighCourt judge Mr Justice Sachs on Monday.

Sam's father, John, 45, said: "On balance it seems a reasonableagreed settlement. But, obviously, no sum of money can compensate for thedamage.

"The Trust has acted responsibly. Obviously some individuals screwedup and, as far as I know, have not undergone disciplinary action."

Sam has no independent mobility and suffers from badly-impaired visionand intellect. His lawyers said hospital staff negligently delayeddelivering him - he was born by Caesarean section -- and failedto pick up signs of foetal distress while he was in the womb.

Bromley Health Authority admitted "breach of duty" and agreedSam would otherwise have been born without disability.

Sam needs 24-hour care which he receives at Pitt Cottage care home inWest Wickham. He spends weekends at home with his father, mum Christina,43, and sisters Helen, nine and Sarah, seven.

The cash payout will go into an investment fund to care for Sam and payfor transport and modifications to his parents' home.

The amount was linked to expert opinion putting the youngster's lifeexpectancy at 30. The money is expected to purchase care and specialistequipment until Sam's death.

Mr Cooper said: "I have a major gripe with the way English law dealswith medical injuries.

"Should he live beyond 30 there's no opportunity to go back formore damages.

"I'm fairly unhappy that, should he live to 60, the last 30years of his life will not be compensated."

Bromley Health Authority was unavailable for comment as the News Shopperwent to press.

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