Surgery

Hospital Fall Causes Brain Injury

Hospital Fall Causes Brain Injury

£20,500 Settlement

Mrs F contacted Pryers Solicitors in May 2015 to investigate a potential claim regarding the death of her husband, Mr F. Mr F was admitted to hospital in April 2014 suffering with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He was transferred to ITU and placed in a coma. When he came out of this he was suffering with confusion, reduced mobility and he required assistance to walk.

Mr F was then transferred back to a ward where he, unfortunately, suffered a fall and sustained a head injury. A CT scan performed shortly thereafter showed 3 areas of bleeding on the brain. The decision was made that no treatment was to be instigated in relation to this. Mr F was first transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation then discharged home.

As a result of the fall, Mr F experienced confusion and difficulty speaking. He became more aggressive, often refused to eat or drink and lost a considerable amount of weight. He required care and assistance from Mrs F as well as additional daily carers. This persisted for approximately 3 years until he sadly passed away in May 2017.

A Serious Untoward Incident Report was provided by the Trust which confirmed a number of failings including failure to complete a Falls Care Bundle management plan and bed rail assessment. In light of this, expert evidence was obtained from an expert in Neuropsychology dealing with Mr F’s injuries. The expert confirmed that Mr F had suffered a brain injury of moderate severity. Mr F’s death was unconnected to the negligence.

The Defendant Trust accepted negligence in relation to the assessment and management of Mr F’s risk of falls. Negotiations began with the Defendant and the case settled for £20,500. Mrs F was pleased that admissions were made and to bring the matter to a conclusion.

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