THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

Aged 55 Mr M presented to A&E with sudden onset of chest pain, low blood pressure, and was agitated and confused.

Although a diagnosis of aortic dissection was considered it was rejected in favour of a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (poor circulation of blood to the heart muscle leading to tissue death).

It was decided to monitor Mr M overnight.

In early morning Mr M suffered a fatal heart attack.

It was Mr M's case that the provisional diagnosis of aortic dissection should have been followed up and proper diagnosis made.

It was Mr M's case that proper diagnosis of aortic dissection would have led to urgent surgery and death avoided.

The hospital admitted responsibility for Mr M's death and compensation was agreed without trial at £125,000