A MUM has been awarded over £1million after her son was left with “catastrophic” brain injuries during his birth at Burnley General Hospital.

Catherine Wilde fought back tears at the High Court in London as Mr Justice Owen praised her “devotion” in caring for 15-year-old Liam Barker, and awarded a seven-figure payout from the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT).

The settlement package — the exact details of which have been kept confidential — comprises a substantial lump sum, plus annual, index-linked and tax-free payments to cover the costs of Liam’s care for the rest of his life.

Liam was born at the hospital in January 1997 and, on delivery, his umbilical cord was found “wrapped tightly under one arm” and he was “blue in colour”.

The teenager's birth injuries left him with acute cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, as well as limited mobility and communication skills.

He needs 24-hour care, and relies on his family and carers for help in basic daily tasks such as washing and dressing.

His lawyers claimed medics at the hospital were at fault in failing to arrange for an earlier caesarean section delivery which, they argued, would have averted the oxygen starvation and brain damage Liam suffered.

Mr Justice Owen said he was “entirely satisfied with the terms of the order”, and told Ms Wilde: “No one could fail to be impressed by the devoted care you have given Liam.”

Whatever misfortunes life had dealt Liam, who lives with his family in the Burnley area, he had the “extremely good fortune” of having such caring parents, the judge added.

Katie Gollop, barrister for ELHT, also paid tribute in court to the “loving care” given to Liam and his brother by his parents.

After the short hearing his solicitor, Diane Rostron, commented: “My client suffered catastrophic brain injury at the time of his birth which has resulted in a requirement for 24-hour care.

“This settlement represents the end of the family’s long and difficult fight for justice “The amount of compensation approved by the High Court today will guarantee my client the care he requires for the rest of his life.”

The legal wrangling, funded by the the Legal Services Commission, has taken four years to settle.

Catharina Schram, medical director at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust expresses its sincere regret for the injuries sustained by Liam Barker around the time of his delivery in 1997.

“Court proceedings were commenced in 2008 in this difficult and complicated case and we are pleased that an agreement has been approved by the court to reflect that.

“We pay tribute to the care afforded to Liam by his family and we wish them well for the future.”