Geldards secures £100,000 settlement in fatal case

Spencer Collier and Amy-Beth Probert in Geldards’ Medical Negligence team recently concluded a medical negligence claim on behalf of family who sought assistance following the death of their husband/father (‘the Deceased’).

The Deceased was diagnosed with Aortic Valve Disease in July 2012 following a review by a Renal Consultant. The Renal Consultant wrote to the Deceased’s GP recommending a follow up echocardiogram to monitor the aortic stenosis and also a referral to a Cardiologist. This follow up was not arranged by the GP.

In July 2018 the Deceased attended his GP complaining of a tight chest and breathlessness. Finally, a referral was made to a Cardiologist and a repeat echocardiogram was performed. The echocardiogram reported severe aortic stenosis and confirmed that the Deceased required urgent aortic valve replacement surgery. Unfortunately, a few weeks later the Deceased deteriorated and was diagnosed with pneumonia. The Deceased was too unwell for surgery and sadly passed away.

If the Deceased’s GP had arranged the necessary follow-up, he would have been monitored and it is likely that, at some stage in 2017, he would have undergone aortic valve replacement surgery. Had the Deceased undergone aortic valve replacement surgery at any point before he developed pneumonia in 2018 it is likely he would have survived the surgery.

Geldards obtained expert medical evidence from a General Practitioner, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and a Cardiologist in support of the claim. The case was settled in the sum of £100,000 plus costs.

If you have any questions about the above case study or would like to speak with a clinical negligence specialist solicitor, please contact Linda Williams on 02920 391773 or linda.williams@geldards.com.