Disabled boy seeks lump sum payment

The mother of an eight-year old Co Cork boy brain damaged at birth and who can only communicate with his eyes has asked the High Court to award a final lump sum payment for his future care needs as legislation to allow for periodic payments for the catastrophically injured is still not in place.

Gill Russell’s case was adjourned two years ago with an interim payout of €1.4m in anticipation of the legislation which has been pledged by ministers for justice.

Now, as a High Court judge sits to assess the future care needs of Gill Russell, from Aghada, Co Cork, his mother Karen, through her legal team, has asked for a final lump sum payment to be paid out in the absence of the crucial law.