A CHILD of seven who lost the use of his right arm is to receive £225,000 and costs under the terms of a settlement approved by Mr Justice Lavan in the High Court yesterday.
Johan Verbruggen, suing by his father, Mr Karel Verbruggen, a veterinary surgeon, of Oughterard, Co Galway, settled his claim against the Western Health Board, Galway Regional Hospital and a consultant obstetrician/
gynaecologist, Mr Stephen V.Long, Taylors Hill, Galway. A claim against Dr Martha Finn was struck out.
In a statement of claim it was alleged there was a failure to take adequate steps having regard to the fact that there was delayed progress in a diabetic patient with a very large foetus. The child was born on December 29th, 1989.
Dr John O'Mahony SC, for the child, said difficulties had arisen at the birth of the child. The claim was that the mother's labour should have been more intensely monitored and a Caesarean operation performed.
In their defence the health board, the hospital and Mr Long denied there was any negligence, breach of duty or breach of contract on their part.