A PATIENT left paralysed after hospital medics failed to spot symptoms of a broken back has won an £8.8 million damages payout from the NHS.

The man, in his 50s, was treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary after falling down stairs in 2011, the High Court in London heard today.

Liability for the man’s injuries was admitted by the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which runs BRI.

A spokesperson for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are deeply sorry for the distress he experienced as a result of the care he received from us six years ago. The care we provided fell below our usual high standards and we sincerely apologise to him for this.

“We are pleased that the claim has been resolved and we offer him and his family the very best wishes for the future.”

Making the High Court ruling, Mr Justice Foskett said: “Unfortunately the true nature of his injury was not identified at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

“That failure led to long-term consequences for him, and he is now paralysed below the chest.

“He is wheelchair-dependent and reliant on others for his care and daily needs.”

The judge paid tribute to the care lavished on the man by his “heroic” family.

“He has the good fortune to have the support and care of this family. He will always be provided for.”

The man’s lawyers and the NHS trust are still hammering out an issue in relation to his accommodation costs.

But the judge said he would approve the £8.8m settlement subject to that issue.

Due to the man’s vulnerability, the judge ordered that nothing must be published that might tend to identify him.