9 June 2005
Damages of £420k have been approved for a retired man who suffered brain damage after he fell into a diabetic coma because the hospital failed to act on test results.
The gentleman had Type 2 (diet controlled) diabetes but was generally well and was enjoying an active retirement with his wife. He was admitted to hospital for the removal of an acoustic neuroma (a slow growing benign tumour of the vestibular branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve in the auditory canal).
He suffered brain damage while in a diabetic coma
Surgery went well, but during the time he was recovering, the hospital staff failed to respond to results of tests carried out. These showed that his
blood sugar level was decreasing and they should have provided supplements. He fell into a
diabetic coma and, although he regained consciousness, had sustained
brain damage.
When he was discharged home four months later he was unable to walk or weight bear, his memory had been affected and his
mental capacity was diminished. He was dependant upon other people for the most basic activities.
The hospital concerned admitted that they had been
negligent, but denied that they were responsible for all the injuries that he sustained. It was agreed that the man’s life expectancy was reduced because of his injuries. The hospital trust’s first offer of settlement of £150,000 was rejected and the case was prepared for trial.
After exchange of expert evidence, negotiations commenced. The hospital trust made a realistic offer of settlement days before the trial was due to start. Damages of £420,000 were approved by the Court on behalf of the gentleman. The sum included the costs of employing carers to assist his wife in meeting his care needs.
Sally Jean Nicholes, partner in the clinical negligence department acted for the gentleman and his wife under a Conditional Fee Agreement.
For more information please call 020 7650 1281 or if you want to discuss a possible claim please contact
Denise McAneny or
Anne McCrea on 020 7650 1200.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.