A DISABLED woman has won damages after carers lowered her into a scalding bath and mistook her distress for an epileptic fit.

Jeanette De Bono suffered burns to 40 per cent of her body when she was bathed in water above 50 degrees centigrade at Wellcare Nursing Home, in Halstead Road, Eight Ash Green.

Miss De Bono, who has Rett Syndrome, could not speak to tell the care staff of her agony, and her writhings were wrongly interpreted as an epileptic fit, the High Court heard.

The incident took place on August 12, 2002 – days before her 20th birthday.

Her lawyer, Robert Glancy QC, told the court before the tragedy she was better off than many Rett Syndrome sufferers, able to walk reasonable distances and enjoy outings with parents Joyce and Errol.

He said the incident left Miss De Bono, now 28, with “virtually no mobility at all” and said the psychiatric trauma had lasted for years.

Through her mother, Miss De Bono sued Wellcare Nursing Home. The company agreed to pay damages yesterday at a hearing in London after admitting liability.

Although the sum has not been disclosed, lawyers said it was “very substantial”.

The money will be used to fund Miss De Bono’s care.

Jonathan Watt-Pringle QC, for Wellcare Nursing Home, said his clients profoundly regret the injuries suffered by Miss De Bono.

After the hearing, her solicitor Rebecca Cherry said: “Jeanette suffered terribly as a result of the injuries she sustained at the very nursing home that was supposed to care for and protect her, and by staff who she and her parents placed their trust in.

“Though relieved that Jeanette will receive access to the funds she needs to help her live as normal a life as possible, Mr and Mrs De Bono are extremely saddened by the impact this tragic incident has had on their daughter.”