A 9 year old girl has been awarded an interim payment of €8 million for the next ten years over the circumstances of her birth.

Cork University Maternity Hospital apologised to Caitlin Twomey and her mother for the life-changing injuries she suffered.

The court heard signs that Caitlin was in distress during her mother’s labour were “unobserved or misunderstood”.

A hormone used to stimulate contractions should have been reduced or stopped. Instead, Caitlin was delivered on 13 December 2011 in a very serious condition.

She suffered a very severe brain injury and is profoundly disabled due to  birth complications.

The court heard the hospital had denied liability for 5 and a half years. But last month, it apologised unreservedly to the family.

Senior Counsel Dr John O’Mahony said the settlement of €8m would provide for Caitlin’s needs until she is 19 years old.

He said the ultimate value of the case was around €55 million and it was the highest-ever such settlement.

The family said they hoped Caitlin’s quality of life would now improve.

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