27th May 2022 – Our client Mr B was told he needed an urgent coronary angioplasty after having a diagnostic angiogram in November 2015. However the initial plan was to defer angioplasty until after he had been discussed at the next MDT meeting. Unfortunately the MDT meeting was then delayed by 3 months during which time he suffered acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest and resultant hypoxic brain injury, all of which would have been avoided if treatment had taken place.
These were life changing injuries and Mr B endured a complicated and distressing stay at Medway Maritime Hospital initially in intensive care and then on the ward. He made a reasonable cardiac recovery but the neurological, neuropsychological and psychiatric injuries were more significant, impacting on his day to day life, family and work.
Mr K instructed Fairweathers to investigate his case and expert evidence was obtained in four different disciplines all of which supported the case. Our experts concluded Mr B was disabled for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 and regrettably suffered an avoidable reduction in life expectancy by a number of years.
Medway NHS Foundation Trust admitted breach of duty for the unacceptable delay in but denied causation and so it became necessary to issue Court proceedings against Medway NHS Foundation Trust.
Fortunately once solicitors became involved on the other side, a more sensible approach was adopted and a stay was agreed to allow time for settlement negotiations.
After making an initial offer in the sum of £40,000, the Defendant eventually agreed to pay Mr B £150,000 in damages.
Steve Evans, the Solicitor with conduct of the case commented: “I have huge admiration for Mr B and his partner for persevering to the end of his case particularly as he contracted severe Covid 19 in 2020 and had to be hospitalised. This settlement will provide them with peace of mind and greater financial security during their retirement years. I wish them all the very best for the future”.
If you or your family need the assistance of an experienced team of Clinical Negligence Solicitors surrounding an inquest or civil claim then please do not hesitate to phone us free on 0800 999 5585, request a call back or submit your case details.