1st June 2022 – Our client Mrs D’s husband was admitted to Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford in September 2018 with suspected aspiration pneumonia. Unfortunately due to a combination of reasons including incorrect labelling of imaging and failure to use a chest drain safety check list a drain was inserted on the wrong side. Our client’s husband subsequently developed sepsis and sadly died within days. We were contacted in March 2020 just before the country went into national lockdown and this made it impossible to have face to face meetings with the family or anyone else involved in the case.
However, it was still possible to initiate investigations working from home and after obtaining a positive report from an expert Consultant Physician supporting the case a Letter of Claim was sent to Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in June 2021.
With a strong case, the Trust admitted breach of duty and apologised for the shortcomings in the care provided to the deceased. They expressed the hope for an amicable settlement.
This sensible approach opened the door to a swift negotiation process once our own valuation investigations had been completed. After a short negotiation settlement was agreed in the sum of £27,500.
Steve Evans the solicitor with conduct in this case commented: “This was a very tragic case and it was very important for our client to find out what really happened and obtain an apology from the Trust.”
Our client’s daughter commented: “You’ve all worked really hard to get settlement and it is very much appreciated. Mum was over the moon and at least now the money can go towards her care and maybe a little holiday for her”.
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.