Case handlers:
Jonathan Syddall (Solicitor and Partner)
Sophie Cross (Legal Assistant)
In this case, T was just 12 days old when he suffered non-accidental injuries as the result of being assaulted by his father.
T sustained multiple bleeds on the brain, fractures to the skull, and multiple rib fractures. It is believed these injuries were caused by him being shaken.
Key elements of T’s case:
T was attended to by ambulance services before being admitted to his local hospital. He was intubated and ventilated before being admitted to the Children’s Intensive Care Unit.
Due to the nature of the injuries sustained, police and social care services were involved.
T sustained substantial bleeds to the brain including a temporal subdural haemorrhage and a frontal subdural haemorrhage. It was noted he also suffered fractures to four ribs. His injuries were closely monitored and managed conservatively.
T’s father was successfully prosecuted and convicted in relation to the assault and subsequent injuries.
The nature of his injuries is such that the effects remain ongoing. T suffered damage to his optic nerve and has no peripheral vision. He has Sensory Processing Disorder and demonstrates behavioural difficulties including aggression.
How we have helped
T’s mother did not immediately take any action following the incident to bring a claim for his injuries. Through her contact with a leading charity, Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT), she asked us for our specialist help in securing support for her son. We immediately visited T and his mother at their home to establish how we could assist.
We have worked closely with charities dedicated to supporting young people with brain injuries, including Child Brain Injury Trust, to ensure T and his family have access to additional support and resources.
As T was the victim of a crime and suffered serious injuries, we submitted a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
T’s case involves complex family court proceedings in addition to criminal proceedings against T’s father. We liaised with T’s representatives in the family proceedings to assess the nature of these proceedings and the evidence gathered in relation to T’s injuries.
T’s case remains ongoing. We are hopeful to secure a substantial six-figure settlement for him by making a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
