Securing £80,000 compensation after a life-changing childhood injury

We acted for a young boy who was seriously injured while attending a Cub camp in  2018. He was just 10 years old at the time.

The accident happened at around 10pm, when visibility was low. Earlier that evening, the child had arrived at the campsite with his parents, who helped him put up his tent before leaving him in the care of Cub and Scout volunteers. After an evening meal, the volunteers organised a group activity called capture the flag. The children were split into two teams and encouraged to avoid being “tagged” by the opposing side. The game had been modified by the “flag”, in fact, being a glowstick. This is because it was getting dark when they started playing the game.

At the edge of the playing field were trees and shrubs. While trying to avoid detection during the game, the child ran into a low tree branch, which struck him directly in the eye. The branch penetrated his left eye, causing immediate and severe injury.

The trauma resulted in a full-thickness rupture of the left eye, with significant internal bleeding both at the front and back of the eye. There was extensive damage to the iris and lens, including disruption to the iris, which permanently altered the shape of his pupil and left it unresponsive to light. He also developed a traumatic cataract, damage to the eye’s drainage system, and suffered considerable pain and shock. As a frightened 10-year-old, he was taken to hospital by strangers, unable to see out of his injured eye.

Doctors described the injury as “severe”. At that stage, 76% of the front chamber of his eye was filled with blood. Over time, he underwent two operations and laser treatment to his left eye.

When examined in November 2019, it was clear that the injury’s effects were permanent. His pupil reacted poorly to light; he had lost true 3D vision and had impaired depth perception. He was left with scarring to the eye, raised eye pressure, and what was described as a “second pupil” caused by a hole in the iris.

The injury had a significant impact on his day-to-day life. He experienced extreme sensitivity to light and regularly wore a cap, tinted sports goggles and specialist lenses in his glasses. He required ongoing treatment, including antibiotic drops and medication to control eye pressure.

Doctors also identified long-term risks, including a risk of retinal detachment, a small but serious risk of sympathetic ophthalmia, a condition that could threaten vision years after the original injury, and an increased risk of developing glaucoma, potentially requiring surgery or lifelong treatment. He was left with permanent disfigurement to his left eye and lasting light sensitivity.

We fought the case, and it eventually settled when the child was 17. Taking into account the seriousness of the injury, its lifelong impact, and the disruption to his childhood, we secured a settlement of £80,000.

This case reflects our commitment to standing up for injured children and their families, pursuing complex claims with care, determination and attention to detail, securing outcomes that properly reflect the true impact of an injury on a young life.

When a child is seriously injured, the impact is felt by the whole family. We are here to support you, answer your questions, and fight for the outcome your child deserves.

Contact NV Legal today to discuss your case and find out how we can help.