Parties Agree Settlement of Second Part of Multi-Party Action
Media Statement
The second part of the multi-party action brought by over a hundred and sixty learning disabled adults against the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has been settled by agreement.
The agreement relates to claims involving allegations of abuse suffered by individuals living under the care of the Trust over a number of years. The allegations included physical assault, emotional and verbal abuse, and a failure to provide adequate programmes of care and assessment.
The Trust has agreed to pay a global sum of £6,473,243.70 to be shared amongst 165 claimants. At a hearing on 15 September 2011 at the High Court in London, the managing judge, Senior Master Whitaker, confirmed his approval of the agreement. The Court Order provides for the anonymity of the various claimants.
The claimants are represented by joint lead solicitors, Foot Anstey LLP and Follett Stock LLP
Andrew Hannam of Foot Anstey LLP, said:
"This is a welcome conclusion to such a major piece of litigation. It represents a significant amount of commitment and work by the parties' legal teams to settle the claims without the need for a complicated and expensive trial.
Once again this case has highlighted the position of responsibility and authority held by public bodies for the care of some of the most vulnerable adults in our society, and the need for consistent and sufficient regulation. Although the compensation cannot alter what an individual has suffered in the past, it can go some way to making their life in the present more comfortable."
Richard Scrase of Follett Stock LLP added:
"Settlement of these claims follows an agreement reached earlier this year in relation to allegations of financial abuse of the same group of people by the same Trust, resulting in compensation totalling a further £1.45 million.
It is now vitally important that lessons are learnt from this case and that, given recent revelations concerning care provided by private organisations, a comprehensive review of care for adults with learning disabilities is undertaken."
If you are concerned about a family member or would like to speak to Foot Anstey about legal implications arising from this case, please contact Andrew Hannam.
