Experts later concluded that he had sustained one of the most severe forms of acquired brain injury seen in infancy.

Despite clinicians initially questioning whether he would survive, he thankfully did. However, the injuries he sustained have had a profound and lifelong impact on his development, independence and everyday life.

Living with the effects of a brain injury

The brain injury caused significant physical, cognitive and behavioural difficulties, including:

• Severe learning disabilities and cognitive impairment.
• Major difficulties with communication and language processing.
• Memory problems and an inability to learn new skills without extensive support.
• Impaired judgement and complete lack of awareness of danger.
• Behavioural and emotional regulation difficulties.
• Dyspraxia and coordination problems affecting mobility and daily activities.
• Continence difficulties requiring ongoing support.
• Lifelong vulnerability requiring supervision to keep him safe.

Although physically active and determined to participate in family and community life, he remains dependent on others for many routine tasks that most young people take for granted.

Expert evidence confirmed that he will need lifelong support and will not be able to live independently, manage his own finances or undertake paid employment. His needs extend beyond practical care to specialist therapies, rehabilitation and ongoing supervision to help him live as fulfilling a life as possible.

The impact on his family

For more than 15 years, our client’s family provided round-the-clock care, with very limited formal support.

Their lives have had to revolve around his needs. Everyday activities, holidays and social occasions have required careful planning, while his lack of awareness of danger and ongoing support needs mean that his family must remain alert to his safety.

The family has faced the ongoing responsibility of caring for someone whose needs will continue throughout his life. Expert evidence helped establish the level of care and support he will need, both now and as he moves into adulthood.

Our work

Our specialist brain injury team obtained extensive medical and rehabilitation evidence to ensure that the full impact of the injuries was properly understood.

This included evidence from neurological rehabilitation and case management experts who identified substantial lifelong needs, including:

• Specialist neuropsychology input.
• Occupational therapy.
• Physiotherapy.
• Speech and language therapy.
• Rehabilitation assistance.
• Case management support.
• Specialist accommodation considerations.
• Long-term care and supervision.

This evidence was important in demonstrating not only the severity of our client’s injuries, but also the practical and financial support he will need to help him throughout his life.

Securing the maximum CICA award

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) awarded our client £500,000 – the maximum available under the Scheme.

Awards at this level are exceptionally rare and reflect the profound, lifelong consequences of the injuries our client sustained. The award recognised the seriousness of his situation and the extent of his ongoing needs.

Looking Forward

The compensation secured will help fund the specialist support, care and rehabilitation our client will require throughout his life, providing greater security for him and his family as he transitions into adulthood.

This case demonstrates the importance of obtaining detailed expert evidence to ensure that survivors of serious violent crime receive recognition not only for the injuries they have suffered, but also for the lifelong impact those injuries will have on their future.