NORFOLK, Va. — The federal government has agreed to pay $11.5 million to settle a medical negligence lawsuit by a Virginia couple involving the birth of their son five years ago at a military hospital in Guam.

A federal judge on Friday approved the monetary settlement to help the parents care for their child, who suffers severe and permanent brain damage.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reports Deardre and Daniel Bebeau Sr. — Navy petty officers living in Virginia Beach — sued for malpractice after their son was born in 2014 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam.

They were stationed there at the time.

Supreme Court rejects bid to overturn prohibition on military malpractice cases Justice Clarence Thomas blasted the decision as a mistake by the courts that deprives service members of justice.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney for Eastern Virginia — who defended the government — declined comment.

Court documents show defense attorneys stressed there was no admission of wrongdoing.