We recovered compensation for Cynthia's family in an accident and emergency negligence claim
against Walsgrave Hospital.
Cynthia, then aged 76, was admitted to the accident and
emergency department at Walsgrave Hospital on 18 August 1998
complaining of constipation.
It was noted that Cynthia had a history of heart disease
and arthritis. When she was admitted there was no abdominal
x-ray carried out. Her full blood count was not checked, she
was not given any diagnosis and patient management plan wasn't
devised.
Over the next few days Cynthia's condition deteriorated.
She complained of abdominal pain, constipation and overflow
diarrhoea and perrectal bleeding.
Blood tests were finally performed on 20 and 21 August, which
demonstrated a raised white cell count with abnormalities of liver
and renal function.
Sadly, no further investigations were undertaken and no
treatment provided.
On 22 August 1998, Cynthia suffered a cardiac arrest
and despite efforts to resuscitate her she was certified dead
at 10.15am. A post mortem revealed the cause of death to be
ischaemic colitis due to a sigmoid volvulus. This is an
inflammation and injury of the large intestine resulting from
inadequate blood supply that is caused by constipation.
An investigation via the NHS Complaints Procedure
revealed serious deficiencies in care.
We were instructed to pursue an accident and emergency negligence claim on
behalf of Cynthia's extended family. There was no dependency
claim. The main costs had been funeral and travel
expenses.
Following receipt of the detailed letter of claim
the defendant indicated that a willingness to
settle. Cynthia's family accepted compensation of £16,000.
For further information or if you have an accident and emergency negligence
claim, call Paul
McNeil
on 020 7861 4019 or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your accident and emergency
negligence claim with any member of our
medical negligence team on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com
or complete our short enquiry form.