Lester Aldridge has successfully settled a five-figure clinical negligence claim on behalf of a client.
The claim arose from the defendant’s failure to prescribe the correct medication and provide appropriate treatment for our client’s medical condition. As a result, our client developed a more serious condition that required additional treatment, care, and an extended period of recovery.
In June 2016, our client, then aged 86, became unwell and requested a home visit from her GP. During the visit, the GP identified possible stroke symptoms and referred her to the stroke team at the local hospital. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance, where she was examined in the emergency department. However, she was discharged without being referred to the stroke team or prescribed any medication.
Over the following two years, discussions took place between our client’s GP and consultant geriatrician about prescribing medication to reduce her risk of further strokes. However, no such medication was provided. In August 2018, our client suffered a stroke and was hospitalised for nine days. As a result, she sustained physical and neurological injuries and continues to require care and assistance.
Upon receiving instructions from our client, we arranged for highly regarded medical experts—a consultant neurologist and a stroke expert—to assess her case. Their reports confirmed that she had suffered a stroke in 2016 and should have been referred to the stroke team and prescribed appropriate medication at that time. They also concluded that, had she received the correct care in 2016, she would have avoided the stroke in 2018. Based on these findings, we notified the defendant of the claim.
The defendant obtained medical evidence from their own independent expert, disputing our allegations and maintaining that our client had not suffered a stroke in 2016. As a result, they denied liability.
Following further discussions with our medical experts and a barrister, additional reports were prepared to assess the value of the claim. Our experts maintained their position and also confirmed that our client had experienced a 1–2-year reduction in life expectancy and would require ongoing care due to the defendant’s negligence.
Despite the defendant’s continued denial of liability, we commenced settlement negotiations. We successfully reached a compromise that our client was satisfied with.
Our client said: “The entire team at Lester Aldridge worked relentlessly to achieve a successful outcome for my claim, providing a resolution that I was happy with, enabling me to support my ongoing needs. Helen Clement and the team provided excellent professional expertise, explaining the process to me every step of the way with a kind and caring approach, always listening to my specific concerns and requirements.”
Helen Clement, Associate in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team, who acted for the client, commented: “At Lester Aldridge, we are committed to working hard for our clients to ensure they receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. This claim involved complex medical issues and a denial of liability throughout, so I am delighted to have successfully resolved it for my client.”