A man who suffered brain damage at birth has won a multi-million pound compensation payout after a 20-year legal battle.

Adam Spinks will receive £3.35m after claiming his cerebral palsy was caused by blunders at Fairfield Hospital in Bury.

Mr Spinks, now 25, has severe learning and behavioural difficulties and needs round-the-clock care.

His lawyers argued that mistakes during his birth led to him being starved of oxygen and caused his disabilities.

The North West Strategic Health Authority, which runs Fairfield, has never accepted full liability for Adam’s condition. But it has now settled the case by paying compensation worth half the full value of his claim .

The money will pay for his 24-hour care and special adaptations at his house.

Adam’s parents Jacqueline and Alan Spinks – who lived in York Street, Radcliffe, at the time of Adam’s birth, and have since moved away – both worked as psychiatric nursing assistants at Prestwich Hospital.

Jacqueline said: “The past 24 years have been incredibly difficult for the family and we have some tough times ahead, but to know that we have the means to be able to support Adam is an immense relief.

“However, we don’t want any other families to go through the same situation, so we hope that Adam’s case will demonstrate the devastating effects that birth injuries can have and improve levels of care for pregnant women.”

Clinical negligence lawyer Sally Leonards, of Manchester-based JMW Solicitors, represented the family in the marathon legal battle.

She said: “This has been an extremely complicated and long-running case so I am delighted that it has finally come to a conclusion with a successful outcome for Adam and his family.

“No amount of money will ever substitute for the ability to lead a full and normal life. However, making his life as comfortable as possible must be the priority now, and this money will enable his family to do that.”

A spokesman for NHS North West said: “The North West Strategic Health Authority is pleased that settlement has been agreed with the parents of Adam Spinks.

“Adam was born in December 1986 and regrettably suffered brain damage.

“Legal proceedings were commenced in 2007 and following detailed investigations a compromise in respect of liability was reached in 2009. The parties then worked together to reach a financial settlement, which has now been approved by the court. The Strategic Health Authority would like to wish Adam and his family well for future.”

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