Cassie Parker
Mr B had a history of chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use and was diagnosed with a peptic ulcer.
He attended the urgent treatment centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital with a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. He was later transferred to the emergency department, where he was given morphine.
He was assessed by a junior doctor who felt that he either had pancreatitis or a perforation of the intestine. The plan was for Mr B to have an abdominal CT scan and to be assessed by a surgical registrar. However, this assessment didn’t happen.
Mr B had a chest x-ray several hours later that showed free air under the diaphragm. Two hours after this, a further CT scan showed a perforation of the anterior wall of the stomach, and Mr B was listed for emergency surgery to repair the perforation. He was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Postoperatively, Mr B continued to experience abdominal pain, and he was diagnosed with peritonitis. Further surgery was required to wash out the infection and repair a piece of the anterior wall of his stomach.
Mr B contacted Graysons to see if he could get redress for the poor treatment that he believed he had received. Cassie took up the case.
Cassie served a letter of notification, which indicates that a complaint has been made and sets out the allegations of negligence against the trust. Cassie claimed that the trust had failed to arrange for the surgical registrar to see Mr B and had therefore delayed diagnosis. She claimed that had this delay not occurred, Mr B’s diagnosis and treatment would have been earlier, and he would have avoided peritonitis and secondary surgery to wash out the infection.
The trust didn’t provide a formal response to the letter of notification but engaged in ‘without prejudice’ discussions. It acknowledged that there had been failings in the care provided to Mr B and offered a settlement. Cassie was able to negotiate with the trust to secure an increased offer to £17,500, which Mr B accepted.
If you feel that you have suffered due to the negligence of a medical professional and you wish to discuss your case to see if you can claim compensation, contact our medical negligence experts now. We will discuss your case free of charge and let you know the prospects for a successful claim. If we are able to take on your case, we will offer a conditional fee (no win no fee) arrangement. You can find out more on our web pages.
Author: Cassie Parker
