Letter: Brain damage award

Sir: No one can seriously grudge the award of pounds 3.28m to Sam Mansell, who was brain damaged at birth (report, 14 October). But it seems grotesque that those who cannot demonstrate negligence, the majority of those with major disability, get nothing. The only civilised response must be to construct a support system through social services which ensures high- quality help for all who need it. The resources for this could be redirected from the large sums health authorities have to set aside to meet claims.

PAUL van den BOSCH

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire