A young person who sustained a brain injury as a baby will now have access to the specialist care, therapies, education and support they need to maximise their independence and fulfil their potential after a hospital trust agreed a substantial compensation settlement. 

Speaking as part of Injury Awareness Week the family, who have agreed to share their story anonymously in the hope of highlighting the life-changing difference that access to specialist care, education and support can make, said they are now looking to the future with optimism. 

The child became seriously unwell shortly after being discharged from hospital as a newborn. Despite concerns being raised about feeding difficulties and weight loss, opportunities to intervene were missed. The Trust later admitted failings in the care provided. 

Following the family's instruction of Thompsons Solicitors, early interim payments enabled access to vital rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, alongside specialist one-to-one educational support. This included funding specialist one-to-one support from a Teaching Assistant in school enabling them to participate more fully in learning and reach their potential.  This level of support would not have been met otherwise and the young person who was already struggling with school would have continued to do so.   

The support has already made a significant difference. With access to specialist therapies and tailored education, the young person has developed key skills, engaged with learning and been able to make friendships and interact with their peers.  Experts believe that, with continued support, they may be able to access supported employment opportunities in the future. 

A final, eight-figure-settlement approved by the High Court, now gives the family reassurance that specialist care, therapies, education and support will remain available throughout the young person's life. The funding will help meet the cost of ongoing one-to-one educational support and specialist provision that is not fully available through statutory services alone. 

Looking ahead, the settlement will also allow the young person to access further education opportunities tailored to their needs, including the potential for a specialist residential college placement. This will provide invaluable opportunities to develop life skills and confidence, while helping prepare them for adulthood. 

The funding will also allow continued access to rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and neuropsychological support, helping the young person maximise their potential and continue making progress. 

The settlement will be managed through a trust, giving the family confidence that their loved one's needs can continue to be met in the years ahead. 

Clair Wilson, Principal Lawyer in Thompsons Solicitors’ clinical negligence team who acted for the family, said: “This has been an important case for a family who have worked tirelessly to secure the right support for their loved one. 

“The settlement gives them long-term reassurance that specialist care, therapy, education and support can continue to be available. While nothing can change what happened, it means the young person can look to the future with the support they need to build skills, independence and quality of life.” 

Victoria Gofton, Head of Clinical Negligence at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “This case shows why education should be seen as a central part of rehabilitation for children and young people with acquired brain injuries. 

“What was particularly encouraging in this case was the way one-to-one educational support was put in place alongside therapies. The funding of a dedicated Teaching Assistant was a thoughtful and innovative part of the rehabilitation package, helping the young person participate more fully in learning and carry rehabilitation gains into everyday life. 

“It was encouraging that the defendant also recognised the importance of this support. It underlines the value of practical, collaborative rehabilitation that looks beyond immediate therapy needs and focuses on helping injured people maximise their potential for the future.” 

This case is being highlighted during Injury Awareness Week 2026 (22–26 June), which aims to raise awareness of the far-reaching impact of serious injuries and the difference that timely rehabilitation, specialist support and access to justice can make to injured people and their families.