Background

Lester Aldridge LLP has successfully concluded a complex clinical negligence claim and secured a substantial seven-figure settlement for a client following the Defendant’s failure to correctly diagnose and treat in a timely manner a series of strokes which resulted in life changing physical and psychological impairment.

The case concerned a client in their mid 40’s and the Defendant’s failure to treat the Claimant with aspirin therapy after being taken by ambulance to hospital. The ambulance crew had assessed the Claimant as FAST positive. The Claimant was admitted and diagnosed with a migraine. A series of embolic events took place secondary to right vertebral dissection, aspirin therapy was not commenced until 60 hours after arrival at hospital.

The Claimant has been left with significant disability consequent on the strokes. The case was made all the more challenging with incorrectly dated and timed medical entries which played a central role on the key issue of causation.

The Challenge

The Defendant made very limited admissions in the Letter of Response but denied causation in relation to the strokes and made a very small part 36 offer of £10,000. The Defendant maintained throughout the case a very robust defence stance, declining to engage in early exchange of key causation expert evidence. Court proceedings were issued and several contested court applications were involved.

How We Helped

Lengthy negotiations on liability and subsequently quantum with the Defendant took place, and with the support of skilled leading counsel and a nationally recognised stroke expert, we were able to secure a substantial seven-figure settlement in recognition of the pain and suffering and the life changing issues the Claimant continues to suffer from.

The client was very pleased with the outcome of the claim and thanked Lester Aldridge for achieving such a good settlement.

Impact

“Thank you so much for everything you have done. Your tenacious approach and sharp perception worked extremely well. You have been absolutely fantastic, and I could not have done this without you. This wonderful result gives me real confidence in my future health and wellbeing. I cannot thank you enough.”

Liz Oaten Partner in the Clinical negligence and Personal Injury team, who acted for the client says:
“The case was extremely challenging, and we were faced with many attempts by the Defendant to deny that earlier intervention would have made a difference to the outcome. The medical and legal team were tested to the limit on a number of occasions. I am absolutely delighted that we were able to settle this difficult claim for my client enabling implementation of support and therapies which have already made a huge difference.”