Medical Negligence
Pearson Legal
Full Credential Description
We pursued a claim on behalf of a family when their relative suffered deteriorating health after a catalogue of errors in her hospital care. The relative had sadly died, but the family made a claim against the hospital and secured £34,000 compensation.
Mrs J was admitted to Selly Oak Hospital in January 2010 complaining of right leg pain following a fall a few days earlier. Following a further review, including a mobility assessment, she was transferred to West Heath Hospital for rehabilitation, with a view to improving her mobility before she went home.
On admission to West Heath Hospital Mrs J underwent nursing and clinical assessments including a Waterlow pressure ulcer risk assessment. No account was taken of her lower limbs being dry and oedematous, her restricted mobility arising from her fall or to reflect that she was taking cytotoxic medication to treat a urinary tract infection. During her time at West Heath Hospital Mrs J was continually reassessed by the nursing and clinical staff.
The hospital breached its own policy of reassessing pressure ulcer risks on a weekly basis by failing to carry out another Waterlow assessment for a further fifteen days. Mrs J remained seriously ill when she was transferred back to Selly Oak Hospital in March 2010.
Sadly Mrs J died in August 2011 having never recovered from the pressure sores that she developed at West Heath Hospital. A claim was issued against The Department of Health which led to a settlement being reached in the sum of £34,000.
“Mrs J’s family took issue with the inadequate treatment that she received and raised a number of complaints with West Heath Hospital on her behalf. Whilst monetary compensation cannot make up for the experiences faced by Mrs J and her family I believe that the financial settlement that we have secured will prompt a review of pressure sore management policies”.
Measurable Results
Compensation settlement: £34,000; Estate recovery: £34,000
Qualifications & Expertise
Experienced legal professionals with proven track record in complex cases and client advocacy.