In the second financial blow this month to the Eastern Cape Department of Health, the provincial Health MEC has been ordered to pay more than R6.4m to a child who suffered severe neurological injuries during birth in 2013, reports Daily Dispatch.
The judgment was delivered in the Eastern Cape High Court (Makhanda) last week, shortly after the Eastern Cape High Court (Mthatha) recently ordered the MEC to pay more than R4.1m in a separate medical negligence claim.
In the latest matter, the department accepted 100% liability for the injuries caused by its staff’s negligence.
The court awarded R6 456 253, made up of R3 093 745 for loss of earnings, R1 443 033 for mobility costs including a vehicle, R1 294 620 for architectural expenses, and R484 219 for the protection of the funds.
Judge Justin Laing ordered that issues relating to caregiving, case management and the costs of a stimulation centre be postponed for later determination.
The MEC was also directed to pay the plaintiff’s taxed or agreed costs on the High Court scale. A claim for general damages was dismissed, with no order as to costs.
Advocate Andrew du Preez represented the child.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Eastern Cape Health to fork out R12m in negligence case
Lifetime cost of care in cerebral palsy medical negligence claims
Eastern Cape Health slammed over negligence claims
Eastern Cape MEC hit with another negligence claim
Judge rejects Eastern Cape’s bid to pay damages in instalments