�1.2m award to brave East Ham teen
A TEENAGER left severely disabled by a rare genetic disorder has won a �1.2m payout from Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust.
Ruby Naeem, 18, was left brain damaged and physically disabled as a result of the “exceptionally rare” Maple Syrup Urine disease – which affects the body’s ability to break down proteins.
Her barrister, Christopher Johnson, told London’s High Court that, despite its “benign” name the illness — if undetected — can cause permanent physical and cognitive damage.
He said Ruby has severe cerebral palsy and learning difficulties as a result of contracting the disease when she was a baby.
Addressing her family, who attended court with Ruby, Mr Johnson added: “I would like to pay immense tribute to Ruby’s parents. The progress she has made is a tribute to them and the devotion and care they have shown her”
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Mr Johnson told the court Ruby was first taken to Newham General Hospital in Plaistow when she was just one-month-old, after she had difficulty breathing, but the disorder was not identified until several months later.
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Through her mother and litigation friend, Zahida Naeem, of Beverley Road, East Ham, Ruby sued the trust, alleging incorrect test results given by Great Ormond Street Hospital resulted in a five-month delay in the diagnosis of her condition.
Without making any admission of liability, the trust agreed to pay the teenager �1.2m to settle what Mr Johnson called a “strongly defended” action.
On behalf of the trust, Judith Rogerson wished the teenager and her family all the best for the future.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Eady said: “I am satisfied that the settlement is a satisfactory outcome for Ruby and her family.
“It is clear she has been fortunate in one respect, and that is the devoted care she has received from her family. All that remains is for me to extend my best wishes to all of you for the future.”
